lottery
North Carolina Education Lottery Extends Fastest Growing Instant Game Program in U.S. with Scientific Games
Successful Partnership Positions Lottery for Future Growth to Benefit North Carolina Students, Serves as Model for World Lotteries
Scientific Games and the North Carolina Education Lottery have extended their partnership behind the fastest-growing instant scratch game program in the U.S. based on year-over-year growth. The partnership has propelled the NCEL to the No. 6 ranked lottery in the world for instant game performance (La Fleur’s 2022 Almanac per capita sales) and gained attention as the model for U.S. and international lotteries. The Scientific Games Enhanced Partnership helped responsibly grow NCEL Scratch-Off sales from $1.7 billion in fiscal year 2017 to $2.6 billion in fiscal year 2022. With this partnership, Scientific Games provides portfolio management across the Lottery’s entire scratch game offerings.
The Scientific Games Enhanced Partnership with NCEL began in 2017, aligning the Lottery for future growth to support education across North Carolina, including school construction and scholarships for students attending in-state colleges and universities.
Mark Michalko, NCEL Executive Director, said, “Our partnership with Scientific Games helps the N.C. Education Lottery achieve its goals, and we look forward to continuing our good work together. Last year, the success of scratch-off sales helped to raise $929 million to support education programs in North Carolina. We are aligned in our approach to maximize responsible growth in the coming years. Scratch-off games are the most popular games played in North Carolina and we look for continued success in our ongoing partnership with Scientific Games.”
Through the Scientific Games Enhanced Partnership, the company helps NCEL optimize its product portfolio through portfolio management and game design services, data-driven analytics, advanced logistics, licensed brand services, and retail sales and marketing support. The program is used by more than 20 lotteries, including six of the Top 10-performing instant game lotteries worldwide (La Fleur’s 2022 World Lottery Almanac).
John Schulz, President of Americas and Global Instant Products for Scientific Games, said, “The North Carolina Education Lottery is a great example of how Scientific Games and a lottery can partner on instant games to optimize the product portfolio and generate maximum revenues to benefit residents in the state. The program in North Carolina is a model for the world’s lotteries.”
With products generating more than 70% of global instant game retail sales, Scientific Games is the world’s largest instant games creator, producer and services provider in the world. The company provides retail and digital games, technology, analytics and services to 130 lotteries in 50 countries around the globe, including nearly every North American lottery.
EveryMatrix
EveryMatrix expands global lottery footprint with NASPL membership
EveryMatrix has extended its global national lottery reach, and further reinforced its ongoing commitment to the North American market, by becoming a member of the North American Association of State & Provincial Lotteries (NASPL).
NASPL membership reflects the premium provider’s long-term commitment to supporting public-sector lotteries as it expands its presence across the continent and further strengthens its visibility and credibility within the US lottery ecosystem.
Multiple US lotteries are investing or exploring investments in digital technology and omnichannel player engagement, with a focus on responsible gaming, areas in which EveryMatrix has extensive experience and success with large-scale European partners.
The tier-1 turnkey platform technology supplier counts some of Europe’s largest lotteries among its biggest customers and is an established Associate member of both the World Lottery Association (WLA) and European Lotteries (EL).
It joined CIBELAE as an Associate member in August 2025, the official branch of the WLA for 80 Hispanic American speaking countries, including Latin and Central America, Spain, and Portugal.
EveryMatrix has rapidly grown to become one of the most trusted, tier-1 B2B platform technology providers by state lotteries across global regulated markets. It works closely with leading European national lotteries including Veikkaus (Finland), Norsk Tipping (Norway), OPAP (Greece), National Lottery Malta, Danske Spil (Denmark), and Szerencsejáték Zrt. (Hungary).
Nikolina Gabelica, Head of Lottery, EveryMatrix, said: “For EveryMatrix, joining NASPL is about long-term commitment. We work closely with several leading European national lotteries and understand the balance between innovation, regulation, and public responsibility.
“Combined with our broader experience across regulated iGaming markets globally, we bring practical insights and advanced technology to the US lottery community, and we are looking forward to building and further developing meaningful relationships there.”
The post EveryMatrix expands global lottery footprint with NASPL membership appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
EveryMatrix
EveryMatrix expands global lottery footprint with NASPL membership
Leading iGaming technology provider EveryMatrix has expanded its global national lottery footprint by becoming a member of the North American Association of State & Provincial Lotteries (NASPL), reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to the North American market.
NASPL membership highlights EveryMatrix’s strategy of supporting public-sector lotteries as it continues to grow its presence across the continent while strengthening its visibility and credibility within the US lottery ecosystem.
Across the United States, multiple lotteries are currently investing in or exploring digital transformation and omnichannel player engagement initiatives, with a strong focus on responsible gaming. These are areas where EveryMatrix has extensive experience, having delivered large-scale technology solutions to major European lottery operators.
The tier-one turnkey platform supplier already works with several of Europe’s largest national lotteries and holds Associate membership with both the World Lottery Association (WLA) and European Lotteries (EL). In August 2025, the company also joined CIBELAE as an Associate member, the WLA’s regional organisation covering more than 80 Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking jurisdictions across Latin America, Central America, Spain and Portugal.
EveryMatrix has built a reputation as one of the most trusted B2B platform providers to regulated lottery markets worldwide, partnering with leading national operators such as Veikkaus (Finland), Norsk Tipping (Norway), OPAP (Greece), National Lottery Malta, Danske Spil (Denmark) and Szerencsejáték Zrt. (Hungary).
Nikolina Gabelica, Head of Lottery at EveryMatrix, said:
“For EveryMatrix, joining NASPL represents a long-term commitment. We work closely with several leading European national lotteries and understand the balance between innovation, regulation and public responsibility.
“Combined with our broader experience across regulated iGaming markets globally, we bring practical insights and advanced technology to the US lottery community, and we look forward to building and strengthening meaningful relationships there.”
The post EveryMatrix expands global lottery footprint with NASPL membership appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Brazil
Brazil intensifies debate on betting regulation as Lula criticizes online gambling
President’s remarks raise concerns across the regulated betting sector
Brazil’s political debate over sports betting intensified after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva suggested that online gambling could face stricter restrictions or even a potential ban in the future.
During a national radio and television address on March 8, the president defended the creation of legislation that could limit or prohibit online betting activity in the country.
According to specialized outlet BNLData, industry representatives and legal experts warned that such measures could have significant economic consequences and potentially strengthen the illegal gambling market.
Plínio Lemos Jorge, president of the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL), argued that the main issue is not regulated platforms but the large number of illegal operators currently outside government oversight.
Analysts also noted that the uncertainty generated by the president’s remarks could impact international investment. According to reports cited by the industry, at least two global suppliers have already reconsidered plans to establish operations in Brazil.
The potential impact could extend to the labor market as well. Industry estimates suggest that up to 40,000 direct jobs could be affected if a ban on online betting were implemented.
Licensed operators could also pursue legal action to protect their rights, considering that each company paid approximately $6 million for authorization to operate in the Brazilian market.
Brazilian sports could also face consequences. In 2025 alone, betting companies invested roughly $220 million in football sponsorships, with 13 of the 20 Serie A clubs currently featuring betting operators as their main shirt sponsors.
The sector also highlighted its growing fiscal contribution. According to industry data, online betting generated around $2.9 billion in taxes and contributions in 2025, supporting several public programs.
Given these factors, analysts argue that Brazil’s policy debate should focus on strengthening regulation and combating illegal operators rather than adopting prohibitionist measures that could push players toward unregulated platforms.
Advertising restrictions and public funding proposals shape the regulatory agenda
Brazil’s sports betting industry is currently facing an intense political and regulatory debate.
Just over a year after the country implemented the legal framework that formally regulated the sector, lawmakers are discussing a series of bills that could significantly reshape the market.
Among the most prominent proposals are restrictions on betting advertising, limitations on influencer marketing campaigns, bans on bets related to electoral processes and new mechanisms to channel betting revenues into public programs.
The debate reflects the growing political visibility of an industry that has expanded rapidly since regulation was introduced.
With millions of active bettors and billions of dollars circulating monthly, sports betting has become an important economic player in Brazil, particularly across sports, media and entertainment.
At the same time, the sector’s rapid growth has raised concerns among legislators about its social impact, advertising exposure and the need for clearer limits on commercial strategies used by betting platforms.
Senate discusses stricter advertising rules
One of the central topics in Brazil’s Congress is a proposal to introduce stricter restrictions on sports betting advertising.
A bill currently under discussion would prohibit advertising by betting operators across several media channels, restrict promotional partnerships with digital influencers and ban wagers related to electoral processes.
The proposal was introduced by Senator Randolfe Rodrigues and is currently being reviewed by Senator Damares Alves.
It has already been approved by the Senate’s Science and Technology Committee and will now be analyzed by the Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) before potentially moving to a plenary vote.
If approved, the legislation would establish one of the strictest advertising frameworks for the betting sector in Brazil. The bill proposes amendments to Laws 13.756/2018 and 14.790/2023, which currently regulate the market.
Violations could lead to significant penalties, including fines of up to US$2 million, as well as temporary suspension or even revocation of operating licenses.
Potential impact on Brazilian football
Advertising restrictions have raised concerns among football clubs and entertainment industry stakeholders, as sponsorship deals with betting companies have become one of the most important commercial revenue streams for Brazilian football.
Industry estimates indicate that betting companies invested more than $220 million in sponsorship agreements with Serie A clubs during 2025.
For 2026, sponsorship spending is expected to remain close to $200 million, with the majority of top-tier teams maintaining partnerships with betting operators.
Currently, 14 clubs in Brazil’s first division have sponsorship deals with betting companies, and 13 feature betting brands as their primary shirt sponsor.
The Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) estimates that clubs receive on average 2.6 times more revenue from betting sponsorships than from competition prize money.
Industry representatives warn that a broad advertising ban could significantly affect the financial structure of Brazilian football.
Industry warns of unintended consequences
Several executives within the betting sector have raised concerns about the consequences of a broad advertising ban.
According to operators, commercial communication plays a key role in helping consumers distinguish regulated platforms from illegal sites operating outside government oversight.
Recent studies suggest that the illegal betting market continues to maintain a significant presence in Brazil.
A report by Yield Sec estimated that illegal operators handled around $3.6 billion in wagers during the first half of 2025 alone.
During the same period, the government may have lost approximately $920 million in tax revenue due to unregulated activity.
Industry estimates suggest that unauthorized platforms could represent up to 49% of Brazil’s total online betting market.
Operators argue that restricting advertising could make it harder for consumers to identify licensed brands, potentially benefiting illegal operators that do not comply with Brazilian regulations.
Betting revenues proposed as funding source for healthcare
While some lawmakers are seeking to limit betting activities, others are exploring ways to use the sector as a funding source for social programs.
One notable proposal, introduced by Senator Dra. Eudócia, would allow philanthropic healthcare institutions to operate fixed-odds betting platforms.
Under the proposal, philanthropic hospitals, health organizations and charities that provide services to Brazil’s public healthcare system (SUS) could obtain betting licenses.
Unlike commercial operators, these institutions would be exempt from paying the licensing fee required to enter the market.
The bill stipulates that all net revenue generated by these betting operations must be used exclusively to fund healthcare initiatives, including purchasing medicines, medical equipment and improving hospital infrastructure.
To ensure transparency, the proposal requires organizations to maintain separate accounting for betting-related operations.
The initiative draws inspiration from international models where regulated gambling revenues support social programs.
Public security funding also enters the debate
The betting sector has also entered discussions about funding public security programs.
A constitutional amendment proposal approved in Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies would allocate 30% of betting tax revenue to the National Public Security Fund.
Camilla Pintarelli, director of the fund, stated that the measure could represent an important step toward ensuring stable resources for public security policies, particularly in regions facing structural challenges.
In 2025, approximately $100 million were removed from the fund due to fiscal mechanisms that allowed the government to reallocate resources, a situation that generated criticism from public security specialists.
A market that continues to grow
Since the betting regulation officially came into force in January 2025, Brazil’s sports betting market has experienced rapid expansion.
Data from Brazil’s Central Bank indicates that bettors wagered between $4 billion and $6 billion per month during 2025.
The sector generated approximately $7.4 billion in gross revenue that year and attracted dozens of international operators interested in entering the Brazilian market.
Currently, the Brazilian government has authorized 84 companies to operate in the country, representing 185 different betting brands.
Each operator paid approximately $6 million for a license, in addition to meeting regulatory requirements established by the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting within the Ministry of Finance.
Outlook for the sector
As the market continues to evolve, political debate over the role of betting in Brazil’s economy is expected to intensify.
The legislative proposals currently under discussion reflect different views on how to balance economic growth with consumer protection and social responsibility.
While some lawmakers advocate stricter advertising restrictions and tighter marketing rules, others see the industry as an opportunity to finance strategic sectors such as healthcare and public security.
Ultimately, the future of Brazil’s betting market will depend not only on the performance of licensed operators but also on the regulatory decisions taken by Congress in the coming months.
The post Brazil intensifies debate on betting regulation as Lula criticizes online gambling appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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