NeoPollard Interactive LLC, jointly owned by Pollard Banknote Limited and NeoGames S.A., announced that the North Carolina Education Lottery (Lottery) has expanded its Online Play offerings with the introduction of Pick 3 and Pick 4. Launched on February 6, 2023, these games complement the Lottery’s existing online draw game offerings of Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life, and Carolina Cash 5.
Powered by NPi’s NeoDraw Interactive Central Gaming System, players can now purchase Pick 3 and Pick 4 tickets for up to 14 upcoming draws. Number selection can be done in several ways: by generating a random set of numbers with the “Quick Pick” feature, by using saved favorite numbers, or by building a new set of numbers. Players can also select the Fireball add-on feature for more combinations to match and win.
The Lottery’s Online Play program has performed exceptionally well—experiencing incredible sales growth of 224% since launching with NPi in fiscal year (FY) 2020. In FY 2022, 22% of draw games sold at retail and online in North Carolina were sold through the Lottery’s Online Play program. North Carolinians benefit from this growth, with programs aimed at building and repairing schools, making college more affordable through scholarships and grants, supporting school systems with the costs of school staff and transportation, and providing a free academic preschool to at-risk children in the Pre-K program. The launch of Pick 3 and Pick 4—responsible for over 60% of the Lottery’s retail draw game sales in FY 2022—through Online Play will help increase revenues to these good causes.
“Our focus in operating the Lottery with the highest degree of integrity and security underpins our approach to delivering exceptional games to lottery players in North Carolina. The innovation we deliver through Online Play aligns with our vision to offer an entertainment experience that enriches the lives of our players and supports our commitment to increase the Lottery’s funding for education initiatives in North Carolina. We are excited to now give players the opportunity to purchase Pick 3 and Pick 4 games on web and mobile channels,” Mark Michalko, Executive Director of North Carolina Education Lottery, said.
“NPi is proud to partner with the North Carolina Education Lottery to generate essential funding for education programs throughout the state. This expanded product offering will contribute to continued revenue growth and, in turn, will elevate the Lottery’s returns to critical education programs,” Doug Pollard, Co-CEO of NeoPollard Interactive, said.
“The year-over-year growth experienced by the Lottery’s Online Play program is a testament to players’ demand for access to lottery games through their preferred channels. In North Carolina, we see over 75% of online sales occurring through mobile channels. We look forward to continued innovation and growth in the Online Play program through our partnership with the Lottery,” Moti Malul, Co-CEO of NeoPollard Interactive, said.
