Minnesota Lottery Partners with Scientific Games for Modernization

In a major step toward modernizing its operations, the Minnesota Lottery has entered into a seven-year partnership with Scientific Games. This agreement is part of an effort to replace the lottery’s outdated systems with new technologies aimed at enhancing both its retail and digital networks. The partnership has the potential for a three-year extension, marking a long-term commitment between the two organizations.

A Fresh Approach to Technology

The core of this technological overhaul will be powered by Scientific Games’ Momentum ecosystem, a cloud-based solution designed to improve sales performance and increase operational efficiency. The Momentum ecosystem integrates a range of technologies, applications, and services that will optimize how the Minnesota Lottery operates.

Adam Prock, Executive Director of the Minnesota Lottery, stated, “We took an innovative approach to selecting technology that would pave the way to the future and responsibly grow our contributions to programs that positively impact the lives of Minnesotans.” He emphasized that the partnership with Scientific Games aligned with the lottery’s goals of achieving growth through modern and efficient technology.

Scientific Games, known for its rapid expansion, has been recognized as the fastest-growing lottery systems provider globally. Recently, it was selected by four North American lotteries, including the Minnesota Lottery, for its technological solutions.

The collaboration will see the installation of a range of cutting-edge tools across the midwestern U.S. state lottery’s operations. These include the WAVE clerk-operated terminals, SCiQ digital menu boards, and PlayCentral self-service machines. Additionally, Scientific Games will deploy its gem | Intelligence retailer licensing and management portal and its INFUSE business intelligence platform. These new systems are designed to streamline operations and provide a more responsive, data-driven approach to managing sales and customer engagement.

Moreover, the Minnesota Lottery will benefit from Scientific Games’ innovative second-chance digital promotions solution. This will be bolstered by the company’s award-winning CRM program, which aims to enhance customer retention through personalized promotions and increased player engagement.

John Schulz, President of Americas & Global Instant Products for Scientific Games, noted in the company’s press release, “A systems conversion requires a strong partnership and months of cooperation and collaboration. We will work closely with the Minnesota Lottery’s team to deliver another successful go-live, moving the Lottery into a sustainable future.”

The Momentum Ecosystem

Scientific Games’ Momentum ecosystem is a fully integrated solution that combines gaming systems, data analytics, and operational support in a flexible and scalable model. The ecosystem’s central gaming system ensures a seamless connection between different lottery platforms, while the SciTrak Scratch games distribution system streamlines the delivery of scratch-off games to retailers. The new infrastructure will be installed at over 4,000 Minnesota Lottery retailers, providing both in-store and digital solutions to the state’s residents.

By utilizing this system, the Minnesota Lottery aims to maintain its leadership in the industry, ensuring thatit continues to generate significant funds for state programs. Since its inception in 1990, the Minnesota Lottery has raised over $4 billion for public initiatives in areas such as education, healthcare, public safety, and responsible gambling programs.

This collaboration is part of a broader effort to modernize the Minnesota Lottery’s infrastructure and solidify its competitive position. By leveraging Scientific Games’ technology, the lottery will be able to offer more efficient services and maintain its strong contribution to state programs.

The new technology agreement also comes at a time when legislative efforts are underway in Minnesota to expand the state’s gaming industry. Recently, a state Senate committee discussed legislation that could pave the way for online sports betting through tribal partnerships. This bill, Senate File 4139 (pdf), could allow Minnesota’s gaming regulator to issue up to 11 online sports betting licenses.