Drew Ellis, Lead Writer of PlayiLottery

About the Author

Drew Ellis

Lead Writer

𝕏

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

Image showing lottery gaming with lotto balls along with the Florida Lottery and theLotter logos for a story about theLotter launching in Florida as the state is coming off a down year for lottery sales.

Courier theLotter Debuts In Florida After Lottery Announces FY24 Sales Dip

September 4, 2024 | By: Drew Ellis

The Florida Lottery reported a notable drop in sales for FY24, but could the launch of the state’s first courier — theLotter — help sales for FY25?

Colorado Lottery Provides New Proceeds Record With Over $196 Million In FY24

September 3, 2024 | By: Drew Ellis

The Colorado Lottery, one of the few that features courier sales of scratchers, finished FY24 with another record for sales and contributions to the state.

Photo showing the Detroit Lions for a story about state lotteries in the US partnering with NFL teams for exclusive lottery content.

Over A Dozen Teams Partnered With State Lotteries For NFL Kickoff Week

September 3, 2024 | By: Drew Ellis

The 2024 NFL season gets underway this week, with many state lotteries across the US getting in on the excitement with exclusive games featuring NFL teams.

Photo showing Mega Millions lottery tickets for a story about the Texas Lottery releasing a report that states the new Mega Millions format will begin on April 8.

Mega Millions Price Jump At $5 To Begin On April 8, Report Shows

August 30, 2024 | By: Drew Ellis

Mega Millions

According to a report from the Texas Lottery, Mega Millions will debut its new $5 ticket format on April 8, along with adjusted odds and multipliers.

Sales, Subscriptions Seeing A Decline For Maryland Lottery To Open FY25

August 30, 2024 | By: Drew Ellis

The Maryland Lottery witnessed a drop in total sales in FY24, a trend that has continued to start FY25, as online subscriptions are steadily decreasing.

Image showing an Election Day voting booth for a story about which US races in November could have an impact on state lotteries around the country.

Which November Election Races Could Impact US Lottery Industry?

August 29, 2024 | By: Drew Ellis

As election season is on the horizon, here’s a look at what races around the US could affect state lotteries, both retail and online.

New Jersey Lottery Exemplifies Regulated Relationships With Couriers

August 28, 2024 | By: Drew Ellis

New Jersey

The state of New Jersey utilizes four couriers for lottery sales. They have a working relationship through regulated agreements that benefit both parties.