Mobile Devices in Louisiana May Soon Feature Lottery Tickets and Scratch-Offs

In Louisiana, lawmakers and lottery officials convened at the Capitol to explore the potential implementation of an iLottery program. This initiative aims to enable residents to purchase lottery tickets and scratch-off games directly from their mobile devices.
Projected Revenue from the iLottery Program
The Louisiana Lottery Corporation has high hopes for the iLottery. They have estimated that online lottery sales could generate over $150 million in revenue within the next five years. This influx is significant considering that since 2004, nearly $5 billion has been distributed from lottery revenues towards public school funding.
Concerns from Local Store Owners
Despite the projected benefits, some lawmakers have expressed concerns regarding the impact of the iLottery on traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. State Representative Alonzo Knox voiced his worries, emphasizing the importance of local convenience stores that currently sell lottery tickets. He questioned how online ticket sales might affect foot traffic and, consequently, sales within these stores.
- Projected revenue from iLottery: $150 million over five years
- Total lottery revenue for schools since 2004: nearly $5 billion
- Concerns about convenience store earnings and employee impact
Future Legislative Studies
State leaders have committed to conducting a formal study to evaluate the iLottery’s implications. This study is planned for presentation during the 2026 legislative session. The outcome may influence how mobile lottery ticket sales are regulated and integrated within Louisiana’s existing lottery framework.