Although selling lottery tickets over the Internet has yet to be considered legal within the United States, several states are offering virtual second or third chance games. The New Jersey, Kentucky and Indiana state lotteries will launch separate Internet-based promotions with MDI Entertainment.
The New Jersey Lottery's Internet promotion centers on its Elvis Presley(R) instant game, featuring a second-chance sweepstakes available to current players and non-players via the Internet. Plus, players with NJ Lottery Elvis instant tickets will receive extra entries during the 10-week promotion offering prizes like various Elvis movies and even a trip to Presley's Tennessee home, Graceland. A third-chance promotion is also available on the state lottery site featuring the sweepstakes contest, Elvis trivia and information, and a direct link to the official Elvis Presley(R) website. Players can also visit an Elvis store where they can use their tickets to purchase Elvis memorabilia and merchandise.
Starting today, players who visit the Kentucky Lottery's website can also participate in a third chance drawing, again centering on Elvis Presley. Upon entering the KY lottery site, players click the Elvis icon and register to win prizes, such as a trip to Graceland and other Elvis merchandise and memorabilia. Registrants can also join the KY LotteryVIP Club, which, like the NJ Lottery's Lottery, is powered by eLOT, Inc.'s IMARCS technology.
In Indiana, players can log onto the Hoosier Lottery site to enter a second-chance drawing for MDI's SPAM(R) game and also join the lottery's VIP Club, which is also powered by the eLOT IMARCS system.
Promotions for the Internet lottery initiatives will feature email campaigns, newspaper advertising and even printed brochures.
"These three initiatives signify an important technological step forward by the lottery industry," MDI President/CEO Steve Saferin said. "Many marketing and promotional initiatives are shifting into the Internet space. Short of selling tickets, lotteries can use the Internet for an endless array of second and third chance games and promotions. These are just three examples."
He added, "This also represents an important first step in the building of our relationship with eLOT, Inc."
The two companies recently entered into a strategic alliance.