Pennsylvania moving on ilotto regulations

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has released temporary regulations governing the introduction of online lottery games, which are controlled by the state and could be implemented before other gambling expansion projects expected to start around November.

Cliff notes on the regulations include:

* iLotto players must be at least 18 years old (compared with 21 years old for online casino gambling);

* They must be located within state borders when playing (geo-location will ensure this);

* They may not be related directly to officials or employees of the Department of Revenue;

* Games limited to instant wins, possibly adding draw games like Mega Millions and Powerball at a later date;

* iLotto games cannot “represent physical, Internet-based or monitor-based interactive lottery games which simulate casino-style lottery games, specifically including poker, roulette, slot machines and blackjack.”

* iLottery operators are required to provide public information on how each game is played, price range to play a single game, the chances of winning each prize, and where funding for prizes originates from;

* Operators must allow cool-off periods or self-exclusion facilities for players, and ensure they are not sent promotions or allowed to gamble;

* Players will have to register and divulge the last four digits of their social security number, home address and phone number.

The state is hoping that the PA online lottery will generate an extra $250 million in revenue by 2023.