No matter the game, a competitor always wants to be on a level playing field.
That’s no different when it comes to the lottery. Ensuring integrity is paramount.
As states with online lotteries continue to expand and more avenues for access are made available, securing the validity of games becomes more challenging.
Not only do lotteries face the issue of ensuring games aren’t compromised, but they also need to continue to upgrade their responsible gaming options.
Mark Michalko, Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Education Lottery, addressed those matters with PlayiLottery recently:
“Even as games expand, most people who play lottery games play in a fun and positive way. As more people play our games, we want to make sure we invest more in our player education and responsible gaming programs.”
Lotteries not immune to cyber threats
The North Carolina Lottery has grown into one of the top online lotteries in the US.
Its introduction of Digital Instants last November has already led to over $1 billion in sales and nearly 250,000 players in less than 12 months.
Michalko also spoke with LaFleur’s about the concerns that come with expanding online gaming from a security standpoint:
“In times of change, the biggest threats come from the risks that threaten the integrity of our games. Lotteries will enjoy popular support as long as they are played for fun, operated fairly, and make the health of our players our top concern. The history of lotteries tells us this: Since Colonial days, lotteries have come and gone. They flourished when they were run fairly and responsibly to serve good causes. They were outlawed when they became corrupt and preyed on the players.
“Since lotteries re-emerged in the US in 1964 in New Hampshire, we have worked diligently for 60 years to protect the integrity of our games. No matter how games change in the years ahead to stay relevant in a fast-changing digital world, integrity and responsibility must always come first. It’s our values that will sustain us, our games, and the good causes we serve.”
Over the last year, cyber-attacks have impacted retail and online casinos in the US.
Another attack took place with the Ohio Lottery last Christmas that left the personal data of its customers compromised. The Ohio Lottery provided complimentary credit monitoring for one year to those affected.
Thus far, online attacks have focused on data and not compromising games.
State lotteries are held to strict regulations to ensure their games meet the same standards for all players when it comes to odds and fair play.
Play Smart program stresses education, responsible gaming in North Carolina
Responsible gaming is also an important aspect of lottery play.
Michalko and North Carolina have emphasized that through their new Play Smart program:
“Our new Play Smart program still offers information about how to get help if playing the lottery stops being fun. The big shift here comes with sharing tips and tools in an engaging way that applies to everyone playing lottery games that, if used, will ensure play stays fun. The more lottery players know about how lottery games work, the more fun they will have. The refresh with our Play Smart program helps our players take advantage of every opportunity to make winning decisions that keeps their play fun and healthy.”
The Play Smart program was rebooted with the recent online surge. NCPlaySmart.com is a website designed to inform players about how to play games properly and responsibly.
This platform offers tips and tools for playing different games, player education messages, and educational video content.
North Carolina offers three videos to aid players:
- “Draw Games. Get to know ‘em”: This video helps dispel myths about draw games. That includes the idea of “hot numbers.” It also gives information about odds and random results.
- “Scratch-off games. Make heads and tails of it all”: This one explains how odds can vary from one scratch game to another. It also details how to get information on prizes remaining and how to check if you’re a winner.
- “It’s good to have limits!”: Another video keeps the focus on responsible gaming. It offers tips on setting limits, budgeting for play, and warning signs to avoid problem gambling.
This site helps the NC Lottery live up to the expectations of being Level 4 certified for RG Framework by the World Lottery Association:
“Since 2017, our lottery has held the top certification of that program, Level 4. The Level 4 certification attests that a lottery has implemented responsible gaming practices into its day-to-day operations and is committed to continuous improvement of them.”
Photo by PrimSeafood via Shutterstock
Graphic from the North Carolina Lottery
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