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The very first virtual sports product has been launched in the US by the Virginia Lottery in collaboration with Aristocrat Gaming and Inspired Entertainment. Referred to as VSports, these virtual lottery games include sports such as basketball, football, horse racing, and more, available through the Virginia Lottery's online platform. The Virginia Lottery has made history by becoming the first US regulated lottery to offer virtual sports draw games online, marking a groundbreaking step in the evolution of digital lottery entertainment. This new suite of games, called VSports, was launched through a strategic partnership involving Aristocrat Interactive, Inspired Entertainment, and NeoPollard Interactive. A pioneering move in the US iLottery market VSports represents the first-ever introduction of virtual sports to a regulated digital lottery platform in the United States. The games simulate popular sports such as basketball, football, and horse racing, and are now available to players through the Virginia Lottery's online platform. Unlike traditional sports betting, these games rely on a certified random number generator, delivering outcomes that are both fair and entertaining, but not tied to real-world events. Offering new ways to play, the virtual games operate on a frequent, rapid schedule - running every two to three minutes - and replicate the excitement of live sports for digital lottery players. This innovation is designed to enhance engagement while aligning with regulatory standards in the gaming space. Tech integration and key partnerships The new product was developed by Inspired Entertainment, a global leader in virtual sports content, and was seamlessly integrated into the Virginia Lottery's digital ecosystem through Aristocrat Interactive's Fusion aggregation platform. NeoPollard Interactive also played a key role in delivering the content by leveraging its longstanding operational partnership with the Virginia Lottery. The collaborative approach helped ensure that the integration was both technically robust and aligned with the lottery's strategic goals. The Managing Director of Aristocrat Interactive iLottery, Chris Shaban, highlighted the significance of the launch, stating: "The introduction of these first-of-its-kind draw games for the Virginia Lottery exemplifies how customers can benefit from strategic integrations that drive new innovations." A win for players and public education From the Virginia Lottery's perspective, the introduction of VSports is more than just a novel gaming option - it's a way to expand player offerings while staying true to its mission of supporting public education. "This relationship allows us to provide a wide range of new, distinctive games that we are confident will be exciting and appealing to our players," said the Deputy Executive Director of Marketing at the Virginia Lottery, Scott Kenyon. "At the same time, it supports the Lottery's overall mission of raising revenue for K-12 public education in the Commonwealth." Part of a broader growth strategy The launch of VSports comes amid strong digital performance from Aristocrat Interactive in 2025, particularly in the North Carolina and Virginia markets through its NPI venture. The iLottery and digital content segments were among the few bright spots for Aristocrat in the first half of the year, contributing to a 9% increase in overall group revenue despite headwinds in its international gaming division. The success of the Virginia launch is expected to pave the way for further expansion of virtual sports offerings in other regulated lottery markets. Inspired Entertainment confirmed that more VSports titles are on the horizon, describing the current rollout as the first phase in a broader content roadmap aimed at transforming the digital lottery experience nationwide. As digital gaming continues to gain momentum across the US, the Virginia Lottery"s VSports debut could serve as a blueprint for how traditional lottery organizations can innovate while maintaining regulatory compliance. With more titles expected to launch and additional states watching closely, this pioneering move may be just the beginning of a larger shift in how Americans engage with lottery games online.

Governor Greg Abbott officially signed SB 3070, allowing the Texas Lottery to continue until 2029 but also disbanding the Texas Lottery Commission, which operated the Texas Lottery since its inception more than 30 years ago. Senate Bill 3070 also criminalizes lottery courier operations and prohibits ticket sales online, and beginning September 1, the Texas Lottery will be operated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The Texas Lottery Commission, which has overseen the state's lottery system for over three decades, will be dissolved following the passage of a new law that imposes strict limitations on the games. Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 3070, keeping the Texas Lottery operational through 2029 but placing it under new management and tightening regulations around ticket sales - especially online. The move comes after a legislative session in which the future of the Texas Lottery became a battleground, drawing scrutiny over recent controversies and the commission's oversight. Online sales banned, oversight transferred Under SB 3070, all online and app-based lottery ticket sales, including those conducted by courier services, are now prohibited. Starting September 1, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation will assume responsibility for lottery operations. The now-defunct Texas Lottery Commission's functions and remaining staff will be folded into TDLR during the coming months. A TDLR spokesperson confirmed the formation of a transitioning team and the creation of working groups comprised of staff from both agencies, though the department said it was "premature" to disclose further details. Controversies spark legislative action The legislative crackdown follows two major scandals: the controversial win of a $95 million Lotto Texas jackpot by a group that allegedly bought 99% of the 25.8 million ticket combinations, and the rise of lottery courier apps like Jackpocket. These apps allow users to order tickets digitally, which are then printed and scanned by third-party retailers. Though the Texas Lottery Commission had permitted such operations for years, it abruptly reversed course mid-session, drawing criticism from lawmakers like Senator Bob Hall and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. Hall, who authored SB 3070, described the bill as "the next best thing" to abolishing the lottery altogether. The new law makes selling tickets online or through any digital platform a Class A misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to one year in jail. It also limits in-person ticket purchases to a maximum of 100 per player at licensed retailers. Lottery's revenue saves it - for now Despite vocal opposition from Hall and other critics, complete elimination of the lottery failed to gain traction due to its critical role in public education funding. The lottery contributes roughly $2 billion annually to Texas schools, a sum lawmakers were unwilling to forfeit during the current budget cycle. "It didn't take a lot of in-depth discussion," Hall said. "We're not going to be able to end [the lottery]... We need the income to balance the budget for this next biennium." Nevertheless, the future of the Texas Lottery remains uncertain. SB 3070 sets a new expiration date of 2029, after which lawmakers will be required to reauthorize it following a Sunset Advisory Commission review. Leadership exodus and ongoing investigations The dismantling of the Texas Lottery Commission comes amid a wave of resignations. Executive Director Ryan Mindell stepped down in April, following the earlier departures of two of the five commissioners. Meanwhile, investigations into lottery operations continue. The Texas Rangers are currently probing the controversial $95 million jackpot as well as the activities of online courier services. Another case involves an $83.5 million win by Kristen Moriarty, a Houston resident who purchased her ticket via Jackpocket. Despite being declared the winner in February, Moriarty has not been paid and has reportedly not been contacted by DPS. "It was excitement and happiness at first, and then it just progressed to stress and anger," she said. The Texas Lottery Commission has cited the ongoing investigation as the reason for the delay in her payout. DPS has declined to comment, citing policy on active investigations.

The Texas Senate has decided to make some sweeping regulatory changes to the Texas Lottery. It would effectively discard the Texas Lottery Commission but it will transfer the control to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation as well as make several changes to how the lottery is managed in the state. In a sweeping move aimed at overhauling the administration of Texas’ lottery system, the Texas Senate unanimously approved legislation that would abolish the Texas Lottery Commission and transfer oversight responsibilities to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The bill, Senate Bill 3070, sponsored by Senator Bob Hall, passed 31 - 0 late last week. While the measure retains the existence of the lottery itself for now, it marks a significant shift in governance and opens the door for the possible elimination of lottery gaming in the state within two years. The Texas House has already begun fast-tracking the bill for committee discussion ahead of the legislative session’s end on June 2. Sweeping changes to how the lottery is operated Under SB 3070, the TDLR would not only assume administrative control but also implement a series of new restrictions aimed at increasing transparency and accountability. For instance, the bill would criminalize online lottery play, prohibit consumers from purchasing over 100 tickets at once, and ban the use of courier services to buy tickets on behalf of others. Additionally, it would cap the number of ticket-printing terminals available to licensed retailers. These changes come in response to a high-profile incident in 2023 in which a lottery syndicate won a $95 million jackpot after reportedly spending $25 million to secure 99% of all possible number combinations. The episode triggered widespread media coverage and legislative scrutiny, with many lawmakers pointing to it as a sign that the lottery system was vulnerable to manipulation. Temporary lifeline: two-year trial before sunset review Though SB 3070 preserves the lottery for now, its long-term fate remains uncertain. The legislation includes a provision for a limited “sunset review” by August 31, 2027, which could lead to the complete shutdown of the lottery if lawmakers are not satisfied with how the new oversight regime performs. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, a vocal proponent of the reform, framed the legislation as a probationary period for the state’s gaming operations. “We’re going to give the extension to the game to the TDLR,” Patrick said in a video statement. “They will oversee it with a brand-new leadership team and new guardrails … We can ban it in two years if the TDLR does not operate it as we instruct them to.” The potential stakes are high. The Texas Lottery contributes approximately $2 billion annually to the state’s coffers, primarily benefiting education and veterans' services. Top state officials granted inspection authority One of the more unusual features of SB 3070 is a provision allowing top Texas officials - including the governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general - to conduct in-person inspections of licensed lottery retailers. This clause appears to have been influenced by Lt. Gov. Patrick’s own efforts earlier this year to investigate Winner’s Corner, a retail outlet owned by lottery courier Jackpocket. Patrick had claimed he was denied full access when attempting to scrutinize the store following the sale of an $83.5 million winning ticket. “Now, I’ll be a lottery inspector, and I can drop in and go anywhere I want to make sure everything is on the up and up,” declared Patrick in a video. He further alleged that his experience with Winner’s Corner led to broader revelations about what he called “alleged corruption” within the Lottery Commission. Path forward hinges on House and Governor The Texas House must now act quickly to move the bill forward before the legislative session concludes. If the legislation is not approved and sent to Governor Greg Abbott before June 2, it cannot be taken up again until the legislature reconvenes in 2027. Sen. Hall’s initial bill, SB 1988, had called for the complete abolition of the lottery but failed to gain traction. SB 3070 represents a compromise that leaves room for reform while keeping the game alive - for now. The coming weeks will determine whether the bill becomes law and whether the Texas Lottery’s future remains a gamble or becomes a more tightly controlled enterprise.

A woman from Texas is suing the Texas Lottery over an $83.5 million prize, which ended up being frozen due to the mounting political backlash in the lottery. The unlucky woman bought the winning ticket through a lottery courier in February, but her prize winnings were frozen amid investigations by the Texas Attorney General and the Texas Rangers. A woman who believed she had won a life-changing $83.5 million Texas Lottery jackpot has filed a lawsuit against the state after her winnings were frozen due to a sweeping investigation into lottery couriers. The plaintiff, whose identity remains confidential, purchased her winning ticket online through a courier service in February - just as political and legal scrutiny of the lottery courier industry intensified. Her attorney, Randy Howry, emphasized that she was an innocent player caught in the crossfire of a broader controversy. "It was the thrill of victory and then the agony of defeat," stated Howry. "She's been caught up in a situation where she thought her life had changed. Now it's been jerked out from under her, and no one's given her a reason why." Frozen winnings amid syndicate scandal The woman's jackpot has been frozen by order of the Texas Attorney General's Office and is now under external investigation by the Texas Rangers. This is part of a broader probe into the misuse of lottery couriers by a European syndicate that, authorities allege, manipulated the April 22, 2023 draw by purchasing 25.8 million tickets - enough to cover every possible combination. This sophisticated operation is believed to have netted the syndicate not only the $95 million jackpot from that draw but also millions more in secondary prizes. The group is allegedly tied to the founders of the UK-based sportsbook operator Colossus Bets and claimed its winnings through a shell company, Rook TX, incorporated in Delaware. Legitimate purchase or collateral damage? Despite her use of the same courier infrastructure exploited by the syndicate, the woman maintains she acted independently and legally. The service she used, Jackpocket.com, procured her ticket through an authorized lottery retailer, which at the time was sanctioned by the Texas Lottery Commission. While courier services have since been banned in Texas, they were considered legitimate at the time of her purchase. "If the Texas lottery is going to allow people to play by their rules and then they won't pay, at the end of the day what integrity does the Texas lottery have?" asked Howry, directly challenging Texas Governor Greg Abbott's commitment to preserving lottery integrity. Lawsuit filed, commission under fire The woman's lawsuit was filed Wednesday in Travis County District Court and seeks the full payout of her $83.5 million jackpot. In response, Steve Helm, Lottery Commissioner, confirmed the claim is under review and is also part of a wider external investigation. This legal action adds to growing criticism of the Texas Lottery Commission, which had previously endorsed courier services as a way to boost ticket sales. In the wake of the scandal, however, the commission's judgment has come under intense scrutiny. Legislative fallout: the future of Texas Lottery in question In response to the syndicate scandal and the commission's perceived failure to prevent abuse of the system, state lawmakers have introduced legislation that could reshape or even dismantle the Texas Lottery altogether. Separate bills were recently proposed and approved in both the Texas House and Senate aiming at dissolving the Lottery Commission and initiating a thorough review of the state's lottery operations. These developments highlight the serious implications of the courier scandal, not just for individual players like the woman now suing the state, but for the future of the lottery in Texas itself. As investigations continue and political pressure increases, the state faces tough questions about how it regulates gaming and protects players - especially those who played by the rules and still walked away empty-handed.

A man from Surrey in British Columbia, Canada, has taken the largest jackpot lottery prize ever amounting to CAD $80 million. The prize is the largest ever prize given to a single person, and Justin Simporios says it has made many of his dreams a potential reality. He plans to spend more time with his family and will pay off his sister's medical school debt, help his mother retire early, and go on a family trip home to the Philippines - aside from all that, he wants to see an LA Lakers' game before LeBron James retires. A Surrey resident has become the largest single lottery winner in Canadian history after claiming an incredible $80 million Lotto Max jackpot from the May 9 draw. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation confirmed the win as the largest lottery prize ever awarded in the province - and to a single individual nationwide. The lucky winner, 35-year-old Justin Simporios, accepted his cheque with tears in his eyes and a heart full of gratitude. "This feels like a dream," he said, reflecting on the life-changing moment. Sleepless night after life-changing news Simporios, who describes himself as a deep sleeper, said the discovery left him too excited to sleep. "It was 10:30 pm," he recalled. "I saw someone had won $80 million in Surrey. I joked to my wife, "We're millionaires!" She told me to stop making that joke." Unable to shake the feeling, Simporios manually checked each of his numbers before using the BCLC Lotto! App to confirm the win. "When I scanned it and saw the result, I cried and shouted, "We're millionaires!"" he said. He woke his wife to share the unbelievable news. Initially skeptical, her disbelief quickly turned to joy, despite their daughter not feeling well that night. She agreed it was a good enough reason to wake her up, Simporios laughed. Family first: a promise to give back As he stood onstage accepting the cheque, Simporios expressed that his first priority would be supporting his loved ones. "I'll pay off my sister's medical school debt and help my mom retire early," he said. My family has always supported me, and now I can give them a head start in life, he added. He also shared plans to spend more time with his wife and daughter, emphasizing that quality time with loved ones would be the biggest change in his life. I want to live with purpose and help the community around us, he said. "I've struggled before and needed help. If I can give even an ounce of happiness, I want to help where we can." Bucket list dreams: LeBron and a trip home One of Simporios' biggest personal dreams is to see his basketball hero, LeBron James, play live before the NBA superstar retires. With James nearing the twilight of his career - the 2024 - 25 season would mark his 23rd - the clock may be ticking, but Simporios is hopeful the trip to an LA Lakers game will soon become a reality. In the meantime, a visit to the Philippines for a long-awaited family reunion is also on the horizon. "My wife and kid have never visited," stated Simporios. That's something we can do now. This is about more than money. It's about making time count, he continued. Historic win for BC and Canada Lotto Max, a popular nationwide lottery game known for its massive jackpots, is drawn twice weekly and administered across Canada through provincial lottery bodies like BCLC. While the province runs its own smaller lotteries such as Keno and BC/49, Lotto Max is known for producing the country's biggest wins. Simporios purchased his ticket at the Walmart Supercentre in Central City, Surrey - a seemingly ordinary place for an extraordinary event. As BC celebrates this historic win, Simporios remains grounded, already thinking about how he can uplift others. I want to help where I can, he emphasized. He added, this win is not just for me - it's for everyone I love and for the community that raised me.

A woman from Raleigh, North Carolina, Megan Sikora-Stypolkowski, was the lucky winner of the Powerball for $150K - but she only found out when she logged on to her NC Lottery account. She came across an article on the news about an unclaimed ticket - only to discover that it was actually her. What started as a routine check of lottery numbers turned into a life-changing moment for Raleigh resident Megan Sikora-Stypolkowski, who discovered she was the winner of an unclaimed $150,000 Powerball prize - after reading about it in the news. "I originally googled 'NC Lottery' because I was going to log in to my account to check the numbers from the drawing," stated Sikora-Stypolkowski. That innocent search led her to a Raleigh News & Observer article reporting that a $150,000 Powerball prize had gone unclaimed in Raleigh. The coincidence was too striking to ignore. A welcome surprise in the news "I was with my coworker at the time and I said, "Wouldn't that be funny if it was me,"" she recalled with a laugh. Curious, she logged in to her NC Lottery online account - and discovered the headline was, in fact, about her. Sikora-Stypolkowski had purchased a $3 Quick Pick ticket using the Online Play option for the April 21 Powerball drawing. Her ticket matched four of the five white balls plus the red Powerball, earning her a $50,000 prize. But thanks to selecting the Power Play option, her winnings were tripled to $150,000 once the 3X multiplier was drawn. "We have never won anything like this before," Sikora-Stypolkowski said, still surprised by the unexpected windfall. On Friday, she arrived at lottery headquarters to officially claim her prize. After the standard state and federal tax withholdings, Sikora-Stypolkowski took home $107,626. With the winnings in hand, she;s already making plans. "We're definitely going to take a family vacation," she said, smiling. Powerball huge in North Carolina, thanks to progressive jackpot prizes Powerball continues to draw the interest of North Carolina players, with jackpots that can climb into the hundreds of millions. The next Powerball drawing, scheduled for Monday, features a jackpot of $54 million as an annuity or $24.8 million as a lump-sum cash option. While the odds of winning the jackpot stand at a staggering 1 in 292 million, Sikora-Stypolkowski's win is a reminder that even smaller prizes can offer a big payoff - especially when enhanced by the Power Play multiplier. Powerball is indeed one of six draw games offered by the North Carolina Education Lottery. Players have the flexibility of purchasing tickets either in person at retail locations or online via the lottery's official website or mobile app. The Online Play feature, which Sikora-Stypolkowski used, provides a convenient way to participate in drawings and check results without visiting a store. A big convenience pays off in a big way For Sikora-Stypolkowski, that convenience paid off in a big way. A quick Google search turned into a moment of disbelief, then joy, as she realized the lucky ticket everyone was talking about belonged to her. "It still doesn't feel real," she admitted. As North Carolinians continue to try their luck with Powerball, her story serves as a reminder: sometimes, the winner is just a click away - and the unclaimed prize in the headlines might just have your name on it.

In the ongoing drama regarding lottery courier services in Texas, Lotto.com has decided to sue the Texas Lottery Commission over its denial of the legality of lottery couriers in the state. Lotto.com is seeking intervention in the case of the proposed new rules that would effectively ban lottery couriers in Texas, as former Executive Director Ryan Mindell also resigns from his post. The ongoing drama between the Texas Lottery Commission, lottery couriers, and the fallout from a suspected rigged lottery drawing escalated further this week as Lotto.com filed a lawsuit against the TLC. The suit, lodged in Travis County Court, seeks to block newly proposed rules that would prohibit lottery couriers from operating in Texas. At the center of the dispute is former Executive Director of the TLC, Ryan Mindell, who abruptly resigned earlier this week. Lotto.com claims that Mindell's sudden rule change contradicts years of prior guidance from the commission, leaving couriers blindsided. TLC previously approved courier operations, suit says In its lawsuit, Lotto.com argues that the TLC repeatedly assured them that courier operations were legal under state law. The company submitted a series of exhibits, including correspondence from Mindell himself, confirming Lotto.com's legal standing. A key piece of evidence is a 2021 letter from Mindell, then the TLC's director of operations, explicitly stating that Lotto.com could operate in Texas without regulatory oversight. Mindell clarified that couriers merely facilitate the delivery of lottery tickets and do not sell them directly, thus operating outside the TLC's jurisdiction. A similar approval letter was also issued to another courier, Jackpot.com, reinforcing Lotto.com's position. QR code dispute sparks new tensions Despite these assurances, Lotto.com said tensions reignited in February of 2025 when TLC officials conducted a brief, five-minute inspection of Players Cafe, a retailer working with Lotto.com. Following the visit, TLC sent a show-cause letter to Players Cafe, citing noncompliance over the use of a QR code. According to Lotto.com, the QR code at issue was identical to one supplied by IGT, a major lottery technology provider, and previously disclosed to the TLC. The company contends that this accusation was part of a rushed campaign against couriers, spearheaded without following proper regulatory procedures. The lawsuit also criticizes the TLC for allegedly sidestepping state-mandated rulemaking processes. According to Lotto.com, the commission introduced, approved, and began enforcing new rules banning couriers within a two-day span - far shorter than the 30-day public notice required for new regulations under Texas law. Jackpot scheme intensifies scrutiny of couriers Public scrutiny of lottery couriers intensified after a 2023 newspaper investigation revealed a scheme where nearly all possible ticket combinations were purchased to guarantee a jackpot win. The strategy yielded a $95 million prize and prompted further concern when an $83 million jackpot followed shortly after. Although politicians, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, called for stricter controls on lottery couriers, Lotto.com's lawsuit asserts that couriers were not involved in the jackpot manipulation. Instead, Lotto.com claims TLC officials, including Mindell, mishandled internal controls - such as improperly approving a retailer's request for more than 20 additional sales terminals. In fact, Lotto.com CEO Thomas Metzger reportedly warned TLC and IGT officials about the risks associated with the extra terminals. Despite their concerns, TLC staff proceeded, and Mindell later admitted this was a "mistake." The suit also reveals text messages between Metzger and former TLC Executive Director Gary Grief. In one message, Grief invited Metzger to Austin to discuss group purchasing practices and the threat of jackpot "buyouts." Grief himself is now facing separate allegations in a different lawsuit, where he is accused of aiding the jackpot scheme. Couriers demand fair regulation As Lotto.com's lawsuit progresses, the Coalition of Texas Lottery Couriers issued a statement condemning the TLC's recent actions. "It is time to reconsider the agency's politically motivated decisions regarding lottery couriers and restart good faith collaboration between our companies and fresh leadership at the TLC," the group said. It continued that lottery couriers remain committed to operating within a regulatory framework that protects the integrity of the Texas Lottery while allowing millions of Texans a safe and convenient way to purchase tickets. The TLC is scheduled to meet on April 29 to discuss formally adopting new rules concerning couriers, a decision that could have major implications for the future of online lottery services in Texas.

A lottery courier service based in Australia called TheLotter has just confirmed that it has suffered a breach of data from a person with the name 'Ponce' listed in a hacking forum, and this Ponce has managed to exfiltrate various data from more than 200K customers. Australian lottery ticket vendor and courier TheLotter has confirmed it suffered a cyber attack following claims made earlier this month by a threat actor who alleged the breach of customer data belonging to over 200,000 individuals. A cyber attack with data from over 200K customers TheLotter, which brands itself as a 'worldwide online lottery ticket purchasing and courier service,' allows customers to participate in global lotteries from the comfort of their homes. The company now finds itself in the spotlight after a user operating under the alias 'Ponce' posted a listing on a prominent hacking forum on Friday, 11 April, asserting that they had exfiltrated sensitive data from the platform's Australian operations. According to the list, the threat actor claimed to have obtained personal information from 201,617 customers, including first and last names, residential addresses, IP addresses, order dates, and user status. However, it has not been confirmed whether the contents of the listing were due to an ongoing outage affecting the hacking forum where the post was made. Responding to a request for comment, TheLotter confirmed that it had experienced a cyber incident but downplayed the scale of the breach. TheLotter confirms the data breach "As part of our commitment to transparency and customer trust, I can confirm that the incident involved a limited leak of internal game logs used by our audit systems," said a company spokesperson. "Importantly, there was no breach of our production database, and no sensitive information such as passwords, payment details, phone numbers, or email addresses was accessed or published." The company did not directly confirm whether the information listed by the threat actor matched the data compromised in the breach. Several news outlets have followed up for clarification and are awaiting a response. TheLotter stated that it promptly notified affected customers and is actively supporting them with security guidance. "Following our internal investigation, we immediately notified the affected customers and are actively assisting them with guidance on how to take proactive steps to further enhance the security of their accounts," the spokesperson added. A promise to customers to strengthen cybersecurity measures The company also emphasized that it is taking the matter seriously, pledging to bolster its cybersecurity posture. "We take these matters very seriously and continue to invest in strengthening our infrastructure, improving internal safeguards, and ensuring full compliance with our regulatory obligations." Nevertheless, while online lottery platforms are often seen as lucrative targets for cybercriminals, they are not frequently the focus of confirmed cyber incidents. However, this breach is not entirely unprecedented. In a separate incident in June 2024, EvoEvents, based in New Zealand - a company associated with online gambling and sweepstakes - was listed on the dark web leak site operated by the DragonForce ransomware group. The cybercriminals claimed to have exfiltrated a total of 6.14 gigabytes of data, although they did not disclose what type of data had been accessed. Cyber infiltration on the rise The increasing frequency of cyber threats targeting the online gambling and lottery sector demonstrates the evolving nature of cybercrime and its potential to impact businesses that handle large volumes of personal data. As investigations into the TheLotter breach continue, cybersecurity experts urge users of such platforms to remain vigilant, monitor their accounts for suspicious activity, and update their security settings wherever possible. For now, customers of TheLotter Australia are being advised to follow the company's recommendations and stay informed as more details about the incident are expected to emerge in the coming days.

A man from California, who is apparently homeless, has just won a $1 million scratch-off ticket which he bought at his regular liquor shop. The man from San Luis Obispo thought he had won $100,000 - but the store manager informed him that it was a whopping $1 million - talk about a lucky break! A homeless man's life changed overnight after he scratched off a $1 million prize on a lottery ticket purchased at a local deli and liquor store in San Luis Obispo. A reversal of fortune The unnamed man, reportedly a regular at Sandy's Deli-Liquor on Broad Street, bought a Red 777 Scratchers ticket last week and uncovered a fortune he never imagined. Wilson Samaan, the store manager, described the emotional moment to local media, saying the man initially thought he had only won $100,000. He came to the store, scratched it right there and said, "Oh, my God. Is that real?" stated Samaan. The man asked him to check it, so he took the ticket to the machine and confirmed it - the man had hit the jackpot. He was shocked. He thought it was $100K, and Samaan had to tell him, "No, bro. That's a million dollars. Congrats, brother!" The two exchanged a high five, celebrating the incredible stroke of luck that marked the largest lottery win in the store's history. "He's a good guy," Samaan continued. "He deserved every penny of it." The life-changing winnings The moment has since gone viral on social media, thanks in part to Adam Kemp, a local business owner who captured the winner's joy in a video posted on Instagram. Kemp, who runs the vintage shop Thrifty Beaches, recorded himself talking with the man, who appeared to be in his 40s and wore a blue hoodie and baseball cap. "My friend here just won $1 million in the lottery in SLO," Kemp said in the video, which showed the winner proudly holding a printout of his winning ticket. "I won $1 million here in SLO at Sandy's Liquor store," the man confirmed. "I just can't wait to get off the streets." Kemp added in the caption that both the man and his wife had been experiencing homelessness for a long time. Access to the prize money The sudden windfall offers a long-awaited opportunity for stability. Despite the euphoria, the man won't have immediate access to his winnings. According to Caroline Becker, California Lottery spokesperson, the process of validating and releasing such a large prize can take a few months. "With a million-dollar ticket like this, the person who comes forward can expect a very thorough vetting process," explained Becker. "We want to ensure the right person receives the prize. It's a significant amount of money, and we take those steps seriously." The winner has reportedly shared plans to use the money wisely: making a down payment on a house, purchasing a car, and saving the rest. His story has struck a chord with locals, who are thrilled to see someone in need receive such life-changing news. "It's like when good things happen to good people," Samaan said. In a city often grappling with homelessness, the story has sparked conversation, inspiration, and no small amount of celebration. A sign now hangs at Sandy's Deli-Liquor announcing the million-dollar win - a testament to a bit of luck, a lot of hope, and the potential for brighter days ahead. As for the winner, the wait for the check may take some time, but his outlook is already different. He's no longer just another face on the street. He's the man who beat the odds - and now, he's dreaming big.

Several proposed bills in the state of Indiana would make running and operating a lottery courier service effectively illegal are on the verge of being approved. SB 94 has been able to go through both chambers of the legislature and a modified version has been sent to the Senate for final approval, and House Bill 1053 is also on the way. The Indiana General Assembly is poised to tighten regulations around the state's lottery operations with two bills that would criminalize unauthorized lottery courier services nearing final passage. Senate Bill 94, which seeks to amend the Indiana Code, has cleared both the Senate and the House with overwhelming support - passing 44 - 5 in the Senate and 82 - 10 in the House. The amended version has now returned to the Senate for concurrence, the final step before potential enactment. The specifics of Senate Bill 94 and House Bill 1053 If signed into law, SB 94 would establish that operating a lottery courier service without the express authorization of the Indiana Lottery Commission constitutes a Class A misdemeanor. Additionally, the bill makes clear that neither the Indiana Lottery nor the Indiana Gaming Commission has the right to authorize such services unless specifically granted that power by future legislation. A companion measure, House Bill 1053, originated in the House and mirrors the language found in SB 94 regarding lottery couriers. It too has passed both chambers and is awaiting final concurrence on amendments. The two bills share key legislative sponsors: Reps. Ethan Manning and Peggy Mayfield in the House, and Sens. Ron Alting and Lonnie Randolph in the Senate. Increased legislative scrutiny These legislative efforts come amid growing national attention on lottery courier services - third-party companies that buy lottery tickets on behalf of online consumers, often for a service fee. While the current Indiana bills do not permit any party to operate or license such services, they also leave the door open for potential future regulation, should lawmakers decide to revisit the issue. Earlier this year, Rep. Manning sponsored House Bill 1432, a broader measure that sought to legalize online casino gaming and online lottery sales in Indiana. That proposal would have allowed the Indiana Lottery Commission to oversee digital lottery expansion, including the regulation and licensing of courier services. However, HB 1432 stalled in committee in February, amid concerns about potential revenue losses for retail casinos and small lottery retailers. Despite the setback, lawmakers and industry observers believe the issue could resurface in future legislative sessions, especially as the use of digital platforms to access lottery games continues to grow nationwide. The courier trend across the US Lottery courier services like Jackpocket, Jackpot.com, Lotto.com, and TheLotter are already active in several US states. Jackpocket, in particular, has gained national visibility after its acquisition by DraftKings last year. Jackpot.com's footprint, on the other hand, includes major commercial partnerships, such as becoming7-Eleven's official lottery partner and the official results provider for the Associated Press, as well as marketing deals with Major League Baseball teams like the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Guardians. However, the growth of the courier model has not been without friction. Jackpocket withdrew from New Mexico this year following concerns raised by the state's Attorney General that its operations could violate tribal gaming compacts, despite having a memorandum of understanding with the New Mexico Lottery. Further discord in the lottery courier market Neighboring Texas has also seen movement on this front. A bill introduced in the Texas House seeks to create a regulatory framework for lottery courier services, citing the widespread use of digital apps by Texans to order lottery tickets. That bill has received backing from several courier providers, even as the Texas Lottery Commission maintains its position that such services are illegal under current law. As Indiana moves forward with legislation that would criminalize unauthorized courier operations, the state joins a growing national conversation about how best to adapt lottery regulation to the digital age. Whether lawmakers choose to revisit the idea of licensed couriers or online lottery offerings in future sessions remains to be seen - but for now, the message from the Statehouse is clear: unapproved lottery courier activity will not be tolerated.

A lucky lottery player from North Carolina has just won the largest-ever digital jackpot in the state, a total of $6.7 million. The NC player just spent $2 on a ticket for the digital instant game of Monopoly - and won a ticket prize of $6,745,117. This was the biggest prize ever won in a digital instant game in the state, according to the North Carolina Education Lottery. A North Carolina lottery player is celebrating a life-changing win after spending just $2 on a digital ticket for Monopoly that led to the largest prize in the state's digital instant game history. A monumental win for a minimal investment The North Carolina Education Lottery announced that a fortunate player hit the jackpot, securing a staggering $6,745,117 prize - the biggest ever won through a digital instant game in the state. The winning ticket was part of the popular Monopoly progressive jackpot game, which offers online tickets starting at just 50 cents. For this winner, a $2 investment paid off in a historic way. The lucky ticket-holder played the Monopoly game online and successfully matched several digital symbols required to win the top-tier 'Grand Fortune' jackpot, according to game rules. The odds of winning this specific prize were a daunting 1 in 25 million, making the victory all the more remarkable. Breaking records in the digital era This jackpot sets a new benchmark for digital instant games in North Carolina. The previous record was held by a player from Mooresville, who won $1.3 million last year, in October. This new win surpasses that figure by over fivefold, making it a significant milestone in the state lottery's digital offerings. Digital instant games are quickly becoming a popular way to play, the NC Education Lottery stated in a news release. This latest jackpot win demonstrates just how exciting - and rewarding - these online games can be. Winner from New Bern still to claim prize While the lottery system cannot determine the exact location of players when they purchase digital tickets, officials confirmed that the winner is from New Bern, a coastal city located about 115 miles southeast of Raleigh. As of 3:15 p.m. on the 8th of April, the prize had not yet been claimed. Lottery rules provide winners with approximately six months to come forward and collect their earnings. Until the ticket is redeemed, the identity of the lucky player will remain a mystery. The rise of digital instant games The Monopoly digital game is part of a growing trend in the lottery world - online, interactive, instant games that mimic the excitement of physical scratch-offs but are accessible from any digital device. These games offer a wide range of entry prices and potential payouts, and the progressive jackpot format increases the prize amount as more players participate. With more players enjoying the convenience of online play, digital games are seeing a surge in popularity, stated a lottery spokesperson. Games like Monopoly bring nostalgia and big rewards together in a fun, digital format. Community benefits from lottery success While one lucky individual celebrates their windfall, the state also benefits from every lottery ticket sold. Proceeds from the North Carolina Education Lottery support public education initiatives, including school construction and transportation funding. This historic jackpot win is exciting not just for the winner, but for the broader community that benefits from lottery contributions, officials noted. All eyes are now on the winner from New Bern, who holds a ticket worth nearly $6.75 million. Should they claim their prize soon, they will join a short but growing list of players who have changed their lives with just a few clicks - and a whole lot of luck. Until then, the win continues to make headlines and capture the imaginations of lottery players across the state, who are now dreaming of their own lucky break with a $2 ticket.