North Carolina Education Lottery Expands with Digital Instant Games

This milestone, brought to life through a partnership with NeoPollard Interactive (NPi), marks a new era of online entertainment and engagement for lottery players across the state. The introduction of these games is coupled with a two-year contract extension for NPi, solidifying a partnership aimed at enhancing the Lottery’s Online Play and player loyalty programs, as well as its mobile application.

A New Frontier in Gaming

For the first time, NCEL players can enjoy the thrill of Digital Instant Games directly from their desktop or mobile devices. Developed by the NeoGames Studio and powered by Pollard Digital Solutions, these games offer a fresh and engaging way to play, with a variety of play mechanics and popular titles like Magic Winnings and Fortunes of Cleopatra.

This initiative not only diversifies the Lottery’s offerings but also aims to attract a broader audience, including those who prefer online gaming.

Enhancing Player Experience and Education Funding

The launch of Digital Instants is more than just an expansion of gaming options; it’s a strategic move to boost player engagement and, ultimately, increase revenue for public education in North Carolina.

Mark Michalko, Executive Director of NCEL, expressed his enthusiasm for the potential of Digital Instants to appeal to both existing and new demographics of online players. “This is a great day for our Lottery, our players, and also for North Carolina’s education programs. Launching Digital Instants creates another essential way we can provide innovative online entertainment to an even wider player demographic that should see real value in engaging with us through this online Lottery offering. We’re confident NPi’s portfolio of Digital Instants will strike all the right notes with our existing lottery players, as well as new demographics of players who prefer to play online.”

Colin Hadden, General Manager at NeoPollard Interactive, highlighted the importance of the extended partnership with NCEL in creating a comprehensive omnichannel gaming experience. “NPi is thrilled to extend our collaborative relationship with the North Carolina Education Lottery. Adding this new Digital Instants element to NCEL’s Online Play program is an important milestone in establishing a truly omnichannel gaming hub for its players, and we’re excited to showcase how this addition complements our existing industry-leading online technologies, allowing players to seamlessly engage with the Lottery across all available channels.”

Since its establishment in 2005, the North Carolina Education Lottery has been a vital source of funding for educational initiatives, raising over $10.2 billion for programs across the state’s 100 counties. With the introduction of Digital Instant Games and the continued partnership with NPi, NCEL is set to further its contribution to North Carolina’s educational landscape.

Our Comment on the Article

The collaboration between the North Carolina Education Lottery and NeoPollard Interactive represents a forward-thinking approach to lottery gaming in the digital age. By embracing the potential of Digital Instant Games, NCEL is not only enhancing the player experience but also reaffirming its commitment to supporting education in North Carolina.

As the landscape of gaming continues to evolve, initiatives like this set a precedent for how lotteries can innovate and contribute to societal benefits simultaneously.