June 19, 2024 – The Connecticut Lottery Corp. is able to sell lottery tickets online thanks to a statute approved by Governor Ned Lamont three years ago. The system is essentially operational but the Lottery Corp. has not disclosed the "soft launch," which is limited to the first 5,000 signups. However, the lottery website has warned of delays in delivering confirmation emails, so things aren't proceeding as planned.

Nobody can predict when the lottery's many games, including Keno, will be fully available for purchase online. According to a lottery spokesperson, it might happen as soon as Thursday. The state Department of Consumer Protection, which oversees gaming, must first certify that the systems are operational.

The soft launch is in place for laptop and desktop users and avid iPhone users. Android apps will be available starting in July, the lottery website said Monday.

The most recent troubles at the quasi-public Lottery Corp. are reminiscent of a long list of earlier ones. These include a continuing probe into the new retail sales system, which is being managed by a recently hired outside vendor called International Game Technology PLC, based in Great Britain, or IGT, that was started late last year. However, according to state Rep. Greg Howard, R-Stonington, "They’ve made a few changes so we’ll see if they’re moving in the right direction.”

2023 Returns and Commission

In the most recent fiscal year, 2022–2023, the lottery sold $1.7 billion worth of tickets, giving the state $404 million in revenue and over 2,800 retail establishments $88 million in commissions. Those are significant figures. Given that many of them originate from those who can least afford it, I hope the marketing strategy is cautious in both who it targets and how.

As it has in the past, IGT, which was not operational throughout the hacking incident and app glitch, directed any inquiries to the Lottery Corp. Spokesman for Connecticut Lottery Corp. Arthur Mongillo did not address the issues other than stating that since it's a soft launch, bugs are normal.

"With the regulatory nature of things and the lack of communication at times, add in a few delays such as the replacement of our gaming system, this is pretty par for the course. We don’t want to rush a product to market that’s going to be flawed," Mongillo added.

On or around June 10, the lottery sales began with a soft start that received little to no media attention. A few clients were able to register via the Lottery Corp. app on their smartphones.