Lottery games: what types should you have in your online casino?

In the competitive iGaming industry, it’s important to offer fresh, exciting and varied gaming experiences. Almost every platform in the market has some form of slot machine games, blackjack, and roulette, so incorporating different optións, such as lottery games, can set your company apart.

The simplicity, low cost of entry and the potential for significant winnings of lottery games are increasing their popularity among players. In this article, therefore, inplaySoft will explore different types of lottery games that can enhance your online casino’s portfolio. From traditional formats to modern, innovative options, we’ll look at the features, mechanics and player appeal of various lottery game types.

1. Classic Lottery Games (6/49)

The classic lottery game, in which players choose six numbers from a set of 49, is one of the most well-known and widely played formats in the world, from the UK’s Lotto to Europe’s EuroMillions. After the ticket sales close, a draw is made and the winning numbers are randomly selected. Players win prizes based on how many of their chosen numbers match the drawn numbers.

Why It Should Be in Your Casino:

• Familiarity: the simplicity of the 6/49 format resonates with players worldwide and appeals to both casual players and seasoned lottery fans.
• Large Jackpots: the jackpot is typically very large, which creates a sense of excitement and anticipation.
• Easy to Integrate: this format is easy to implement online, as the mechanics mirror real-world lotteries and the prizes can be automated for digital formats.

2. Instant Win Lottery Games

If you want to offer an option for players that seek a quicker experience compared to traditional lottery games, instant win lotteries may be the solution. In this format, players purchase a digital lottery ticket or a virtual scratch card. Then they can instantly find out if they have won, and how much, just by revealing the hidden information, which can be numbers or symbols.

Why It Should Be in Your Casino:

• Instant Gratification: players can quickly know if they’ve won, which makes it appealing to those who don’t want to wait to see the results.
• Low Stakes, High Payouts: instant win lotteries are usually inexpensive to play, but can still offer significant payouts, which attracts a wide range of players.
• Customization: themes and formats for instant win lotteries are customizable, so you can offer a variety of games to keep things fresh.

3. Keno

Keno is a lottery game that combines elements of traditional lottery with bingo. In this format, players choose a set number of numbers, usually between 1 and 20, from a pool of 80. After that, 20 numbers are randomly selected and players win based on how many of their chosen numbers match the drawn numbers.

Why It Should Be in Your Casino:

• Fast and Simple: Keno’s simple mechanics and rapid pace make it attractive to players who want a quick lottery game.
• Flexible Betting: players can choose to bet on fewer or more numbers, adjusting their risk and potential reward.
• Engaging Draw Frequency: online casinos can offer Keno games with fast draw intervals, which keeps players engaged without having to wait long periods between rounds.

4. Progressive Jackpot Lotteries

Progressive jackpot lotteries are those where the jackpot prize increases over time as more players buy tickets, as a portion of the ticket price goes to the jackpot pool. In other words, the more tickets are sold, the more the jackpot grows. Once a player wins, the jackpot resets to a predetermined minimum and begins growing again. This type of game can offer enormous prizes, sometimes reaching into the millions.

Why It Should Be in Your Casino:

• Huge Payouts: progressive jackpots are one of the most enticing features of online gambling because they can reach staggering amounts, drawing players in with the allure of life-changing sums.
• Player Retention: the longer the jackpot grows, the more players are likely to participate, fostering long-term player engagement.
• Cross-platform Potential: progressive jackpots can also be tied to multiple casino games or even linked across multiple casinos, significantly increasing the jackpot size and attracting more players.

5. Lucky Numbers or Daily Draws

Lucky numbers or daily draws are similar to traditional lottery games, but can happen on a daily, or more frequent, basis. Players choose a series of numbers, often ranging from 1 to 50, and after a draw occurs the winning numbers are announced. The number of matches determines the prize.

Why It Should Be in Your Casino:

• Frequent Play: players who enjoy the thrill of regular draws will appreciate the constant opportunity to play and win.
• Accessibility: while the prizes are smaller than those in larger lotteries, daily draws offer a more accessible form of lottery for players who prefer smaller, but more frequent, wins.
• Simple to Implement: daily draws are easy to implement and don’t require much additional infrastructure.

6. Virtual Lottery Games

Virtual lottery games bring a modern twist to the traditional formats by adding elements of gamification. They incorporate features such as animated sequences, special bonuses, mini-games and storylines, and feel more like an arcade game than a standard lottery. 

Why It Should Be in Your Casino:

• Appealing Visuals: these games offer vibrant graphics and engaging mechanics that attract younger players who may find traditional lotteries too plain.
• Game Variety: virtual lottery games allow for creative twists on traditional lottery mechanics.
• Increased Engagement: the gamification of virtual lotteries increases player interaction and engagement, which makes the game more entertaining beyond just the potential for a win.

Final Thoughts

Lottery games can provide a unique way to attract players, diversify gaming portfolios and increase player retention. They are typically easy to integrate into your existing platform and their simplicity makes them highly accessible to new players.

Also, by including a mix of lottery game types you can ensure that your casino offers something for every type of player, from the casual bettor to the high-stakes lottery enthusiast. With that in mind, you can use these games to set your online casino apart from the competition in the competitive iGaming market.