Drew Ellis, Lead Writer of PlayiLottery

About the Author

Drew Ellis

Lead Writer

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A member of Catena Media since 2020, Drew Ellis is the Lead Writer at PlayiLottery, where he handles coverage of the online lottery industry in the US. He previously spearheaded news content at PlayMichigan, where he covered one of the most prominent online lottery industries in the US — among the many other aspects of Michigan's sprawling iGaming market. You can email him at [email protected].

Get to know Drew Ellis

Prior to working for PlayiLottery, Drew was the Lead Writer at PlayMichigan, a regional site for Catena Media, since January 2022. In his time there, he handled coverage of casinos, sports betting, and lotteries – both retail and online – for one of the country’s leading online gaming states.

Drew has experience covering the gambling industries in Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, and Canada. Decades of media experience provide him with the background to handle the complexities of different lottery laws and policies around the country, as well as the expansion of iLottery in the US.

Award-winning, 20-year career in newspaper industry

Prior to working for Catena Media, Ellis spent over 20 years in the newspaper industry, covering sports and the gambling industry. His work for The Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun and The Oakland Press was recognized with awards by the Associated Press and other media organizations. Drew has also contributed to the Detroit Free Press and the Associated Press, while currently contributing to All Lions – the Sports Illustrated home of the Detroit Lions.

Drew Ellis interviewed as a gambling expert

WILX – Detroit’s striking casino workers rally at capitol
TV6 – As online wagering surges, MDHHS equips residents with tools to combat addiction
MISportsNow – How to bet smart and safe come Super Bowl LVII

Some of Drew Ellis’ work as a gambling expert

Got a tip? Question? Correction? Email [email protected].

Latest articles

Photo showing the Google headquarters for a story about Google announcing an update that will allow ads for lottery courier services on its platform starting July 15.

Google Permitting Lottery Courier Ads Starting July 15

July 2, 2024 | By: Drew Ellis

Google announced an update and will begin allowing lottery courier ads to run on its platform starting this month on July 15.

Virginia, New Hampshire Lotteries Utilizing Omnichannel Rewards Programs

July 1, 2024 | By: Drew Ellis

Taking a lead from online casinos, some states like Virginia are employing omnichannel rewards programs that combine retail and iLottery options.

A collection of raffle tickets to symbolize how some states are turning to lotteries to help year-to-year sales

Select US Lotteries Utilizing Raffles To Help Improve Year-To-Year Sales

June 28, 2024 | By: Drew Ellis

Revenue

While some states are experience drops in lottery sales for key products, some are turning to raffles to help improve their bottom line.

California Lottery Budgets Increase In Scratch Sales, Dip In Draw Games For FY24-25

June 28, 2024 | By: Drew Ellis

California

The California Lottery approved its FY24-25 budget on Thursday, and as part of it, it budgeted an increase in scratch ticket sales.

Looking Back At 50 Years Of The Rhode Island Lottery

June 27, 2024 | By: Drew Ellis

Rhode Island

Last month, the Rhode Island Lottery celebrated its 50th anniversary. Here’s a look at some of its memorable milestones over the last 50 years.

Georgia Lottery Removes $1 Tickets In Hopes To Increase FY24 Scratch Sales

June 27, 2024 | By: Drew Ellis

After scratch sales declined the last two years, the Georgia Lottery chose to end production of $1 games with plans to move players to higher price points.