News writer
Wazdan, a game development company based in Malta, is making its way through U.S. lotteries.
Today, Delaware announced a partnership with the company, bringing new game offerings to online players in the state.
From U.S. private sphere to the public sphere
Wazdan was founded in 2010. It began entering the US market in 2021, when it expanded into Michigan, New Jersey, and West Virginia. By 2024, the company was also in Pennsylvania. Wazdan currently has more than 250 games in its portfolio.
These relationships have been with online gaming companies in the states, like Caesars, Rush Street Interactive, and Fanatics Casino, distributing online games through private markets. Wazdan holds a supplier license with the West Virginia Lottery, but to our knowledge, they are not yet part of the traditional state games.
Delaware marks the company's fifth state. This deal is also newsworthy because it's directly with the state's lottery commission, which is 49 years old and operates under the state's Department of Finance.
The deal with Delaware
Delaware Lottery players will have access to a selection of these mobile-optimized, casino-style games, according to a Wazdan statement.
The features include Wazdan's bonus game mechanics like Hold the Jackpot, Cash Infinity, Collect to Infinity, Sticky to Infinity, and Cash Out, which offer extra chances to play and win.
Michal Imiolek, Wazdan CEO, stated:
We are proud to announce our market entry into Delaware – one of the pioneering states in US iGaming. Partnering under the Delaware Lottery framework reaffirms our commitment to fully regulated markets and sustainable growth. Each new jurisdiction reinforces our presence and enables us to deliver rewarding experiences that embody the spirit of online gaining.
Delaware lottery gaming
Wazdan's games will be added to Delaware's regulated online gaming market, which offers slots and casino products in addition to traditional lottery games. The Delaware Lottery has been operating for 49 years, and its proceeds benefit the State General Fund, which is funneled to public education, health and social services, child, youth, and family services, and more.
Delaware's lottery sales are small due to the size of the state, but in 2023, it was found that Delawareans spent $743.47 per capita, over 130% higher than the national average.
Casino and lottery games
States have blurred the lines between casino and lottery games ever since scratch-off, instant lotto games were invented in 1974, resembling slot wins. It's not a reach, therefore, for a private, casino-first, online betting gaming company to start offering games to public lottery commissions. Wazdan also operates in 25 regulated markets worldwide, and the competition is heating up in the iLottery gaming space as states become more amenable to digital gameplay.
However, Wazdan's games haven't been integrated into Delaware's lottery systems just yet. Integration with state-run platforms is untrodden territory for most gaming companies, and it can be an entirely different process from casinos. Lotteries involve tighter, more arcane regulations that differ in each state, and usually more outdated equipment and processes. Eyes will be on Wazdan and companies like it as they try to take over the U.S. lottery market.
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