Technology companies Linq3 and Blackhawk Network have launched a new mobile-enabled way to play the lottery in Ohio. The Lottery Card™, which consumers age 18 and over can purchase in select grocery and retail stores statewide, allows people to play Powerball and Mega Millions in a new, convenient and fun way.
Ohio is one of the first states to debut a digital lottery option. The technology allows players to play the lottery on their smart phones.
The Lottery Card can be found in checkout lanes and on gift card racks in Buehler's Fresh Foods, Giant Eagle and Kroger stores statewide.
"Lottery players, like all consumers, want convenience and a great user experience. The Lottery Card provides both. It's a product designed to fit with consumers' increasingly busy and digital lifestyles," said Tom Spiegel, Linq3 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Linq3 and Blackhawk hope to launch the technology in other states later this year.
Lottery Cards cost ten dollars for five plays and twenty dollars for 10 plays in either the Powerball or Mega Millions lotteries. Consumers are charged the cost of their chosen Lottery Card plus $0.89 for Mobile Play Benefits. Consumers are charged the cost of their chosen Lottery Card plus $0.89 for Mobile Play Benefits.
After players register with their Lottery Card, they can play again by presenting it at a checkout in one of the applicable stores.
Independent research shows that 44 percent of consumers surveyed are interested in receiving a gift card to play the lottery, while 43 percent would be interested in giving a lottery gift card to someone else.
The Lottery Card is the result of a collaboration between Linq3 and Blackhawk Network. Linq3 is a technology and innovation company that builds and markets state-of-the-art solutions that make it more fun to play the lottery. Linq3 holds regulatory approvals and state licenses that allow it to generate and distribute lottery tickets through a proprietary technology platform.
Blackhawk is a global financial technology company. It specializes in connecting people and brands through various ways including gift cards.
"We are proud to pair Linq3's innovative technology with our robust retail network to bring the Lottery Card to market in Ohio," said David Tate, Blackhawk Network Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing. "The Lottery Card represents an innovation in both the gift card and lottery industries, and is a great gift option for those accustomed to living a more digitally-enabled lifestyle."
Between 2007 and 2016, the Ohio Lottery contributed more than $8.04 billion to the state's education system.
