The Lotto Matrix: Scientific Games Re-Ups In Arizona, Lucky Store Clerk, And More

Welcome to this week’s “Lotto Matrix,” a weekly Friday compilation of the lottery industry’s most significant, interesting, or absurd happenings.

Scientific Games stays in Arizona

Scientific Games Corporation has solidified its partnership with the Arizona Lottery through a significant contract extension. This move will see Scientific Games continue to provide its advanced systems technology to the Arizona Lottery for an additional three years, with the possibility of further extensions in the future.

Since the initial deployment of Scientific Games’ systems in Arizona in 2016, the technology has been a cornerstone in the lottery’s operations, contributing to a 73% increase in total sales over an eight-year period.

The Arizona Lottery’s decision to continue its relationship with Scientific Games is based, the organization said, on a shared commitment to innovation, responsible gaming, and the generation of revenue for the public good.

The clerk with the golden fingers

A Michigan man’s indecision at a convenience store recently led to an unexpected windfall. The 55-year-old resident of Kent County walked into the store with the intention of purchasing a lottery ticket but found himself unable to choose from the myriad options.

According to the Michigan Lottery, the man handed the store clerk $10 and asked them to make the choice for him. The clerk’s selection, a Luxury Cashword Ticket, would quickly prove to be fortuitous.

Upon scratching the ticket, the man realized he had won a prize, but the extent of his winnings remained unclear until a later revelation — when he discovered he’d won $500,000. The man, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed his disbelief and gratitude for the clerk’s lucky pick and, hopefully, gave the clerk a nice tip.

Virginia Lottery raises the digital bar

The Virginia Lottery has set a new standard for fiscal performance in 2024. With $934 million in profits, the lottery has not only surpassed its own record but also introduced a paradigm shift in the industry. For the first time in the state, online lottery sales have eclipsed traditional retail sales, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the lottery business.

In total, the Virginia Lottery managed $5.5 billion in sales in the fiscal year. This is about $900 million more than the $4.6 billion it sold in fiscal year 2023.

The Virginia Lottery exceeded its sales projections by 4%. This overachievement is particularly noteworthy considering the 20% increase in sales compared to the previous fiscal year.

Fennica Gaming is poised to be part of the future success. The Veikkaus subsidiary has announced that it will offer eInstant lottery games in Virginia using the Virginia Lottery’s NeoPollard Interactive platform.

The secret stash

Knowing the “my dog ate my homework” excuse wouldn’t work, a North Carolina man got creative to protect his winning lottery ticket. Cristen Breton, a resident of Salisbury, transformed his microwave into an impromptu safe after purchasing a $20 Platinum scratch-off ticket that turned out to be a $2 million winner. This unconventional security measure was taken to prevent his dog from destroying the ticket.

Breton’s win marked the end of the Platinum scratch-off game, as he claimed the last of the four top prizes. The odds of winning such a prize were 1 in 3.2 million, according to the game’s details on the lottery’s official website.

The Platinum scratch-off game has been a popular fixture for the North Carolina Education Lottery. Officials have highlighted the significance of such wins for the state’s educational programs, as a portion of the proceeds from lottery ticket sales is allocated to educational funding.

‘Please don’t quit’

An Illinois lottery player struck gold with a $690,000 jackpot win from an online game. The winner, who goes by the moniker “Future Audi Owner,” secured the windfall through the Ultimate Diamond Jackpot — a Fast Play option available on the Illinois Lottery’s mobile application.

The win occurred just as the player was about to exit the app, but they decided to engage in one last game, and it was a decision that proved to be life-changing.

After winning, the first action taken by the player was to inform their employer via text message. The boss’s response, with a mix of humor and sincerity, reflected a desire for the winner to remain on the team. “Please don’t quit — we need you!” the boss replied.

Best of the rest

Unexpected windfall: Army veteran learns someone hit lottery jackpot — then realizes it was him: ‘Unbelievable’

Extra dough: Slice of crime: Pennsylvania pizza shop employee accused of stealing $100K in lottery tickets

Never give up: Contractor nails $2.2 million prize in Banker’s Bonus online game

Man’s best friend: Man uses late dog’s license number to win huge Ohio lottery prize

Check the prize box and see you next week!