2 days ago
Oklahoma Lottery Commission looking to upgrade digital experience
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – The gambling and gaming landscape is evolving. It's not just at casinos, but on websites and on your phone.
The Oklahoma Lottery Commission is hoping to keep up with the ever-changing gaming world and eventually create an 'iLottery' platform, contingent on lawmaker approval. Those who help people struggling with gambling addiction hope their clients will not be forgotten.
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'We just want guidelines,' said Wiley Harwell, the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Association of Problem Gambling and Gaming.
Harwell said more than 6% of Oklahomans have a gambling disorder. One in four Oklahomans are at risk of developing one.
'Those are huge numbers. And that's one of the highest prevalence rates in the united states, is what we have here in Oklahoma,' said Harwell.
Immediate rewards and accessibility feed the problem, like being in-person at casinos or online which is becoming more popular.
However, Harwell said if you strictly play the lottery your chances of developing a problem are low, just like the bets.
'Most people that do other forms of gambling are also doing the lottery,' said Harwell. 'If you put it online and make it that much more accessible, then the tendency to continue to bet is there.'
According to a request for proposals, the Oklahoma Lottery Commission wants to update its digital experience through improving its loyalty program, ways to check tickets and scratchers, and easier use of the app in stores.
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However, the Lottery Commission seems to be setting the stage for online ticket sales and launching an iLottery Business Model 'if granted legislative authority in the future.'
Eleven other states already use iLottery to sell tickets and scratchers directly through an app. Though, it's not clear if The Oklahoma Lottery Commission wants that feature.
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Harwell hopes to see features that will help with gambling addiction.
'We need constant pop up messages that if you feel like you have a problem, this is the place to get help,' said Harwell.
With access to the Gambling Help Hotline, 1-800-GAMBLER, and perhaps an ad for the Evive App, which is free in Oklahoma to help manage gambling addiction.
'We want people to reach out for help to recognize that this is potentially addictive and to, you know, play safely,' said Harwell.
News 4 reached out to the Oklahoma Lottery Commission for an interview, but we did not hear back.
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