All news

DC Lottery joins elite world group aiming for smarter, safer play

WLA perks include security, research, and integrity tools, but how will that shape your next ticket?

DC Lottery stand at Rock the Doc.
DC Lottery stand at Rock the Doc. Photograph credit to the DC Lottery.
Todd Betzold

The District of Columbia Lottery just joined a high-stakes global club, but this move isn't just about prestige. It's part of a growing push to prove the District can hold its own in the competitive world of lottery gaming.

With dozens of U.S. states already in the mix, the District of Columbia's entrance to the World Lottery Association raises eyebrows and expectations. So what does this international alliance really mean for their players?

The District of Columbia Lottery joins WLA

Big news out of the District of Columbia, as the DC Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG), the regulatory body for licensed gaming in the District of Columbia, which includes lottery, charitable gaming, and sports wagering, has announced its acceptance as a full member of the World Lottery Association (WLA).

Members of the WLA make up more than 150 lotteries that are spread across 80 countries and five continents. These members are all united in the common goal of raising money for the public good through the responsible sale of lottery.

This partnership strengthens OLG's ongoing commitment to providing best-in-class services, integrating the agency into a network with access to recognized global frameworks focused on operational integrity, responsible gaming, security standards, and anti-illegal gaming measures.

In a statement, Randy Burnside, the Executive Director of the DC Office of Lottery and Gaming, said:

We are among 26 American lotteries to be accepted into the World Lottery Association. Membership in this international forum will provide us, the only city-run lottery in the country, with unprecedented opportunities for collaboration, certifications for security and responsible gaming, access to research, and support.

What other states belong to the WLA?

The DC Lottery is the 26th American lottery to join the World Lottery Association. What 25 states came before them? Those states include:

  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Georgia
  • Indiana
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Louisiana
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin

More District of Columbia Lottery celebrations

While the DC Lottery is celebrating its acceptance into the WLA, a couple of players have reason to celebrate. A retired educator and his wife, a retired pastry chef for The White House, recently claimed their $1 million prize from the $30 300X scratcher game.

The man, known as “Commanders Fan,” bought his winning ticket at Tenley Market, located at 4326 Wisconsin Ave NW. Tenley Market is known for selling those big-winning lottery tickets. In the past, they have sold a $1 million Powerball ticket, a $1 million top-prize winning DC Black II scratcher, and a $25,000 a year for life prize with the Lucky for Life draw game.

The couple is self-described history buffs and is planning a fanciful European excursion with their winnings. The winner told lottery officials, “We'll celebrate 53 years of marriage later this year. This is a nice way to do it.”

The lucky winner was feeling inspired to play the 300X game after he won $100 playing the $50 Extreme 500X Fortune scratcher. He has also won $5,000 playing the Lucky for Life multi-state draw game.

Enjoy playing the District of Columbia Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.

Comments

0
Loading comments

Related articles

Letters on a table spelling "Thank you" with Christmas ornaments surrounding it.
8 things lottery players are thankful for in 2025

This holiday season, lottery players are counting their blessings from $1B jackpots to funds for schools.

Todd Betzold profile pic

Todd Betzold

A table with Pre-K supplies, an apple, and the Georgia Lottery logo.
Georgia Lottery reaches $30B while federal support for schools shrinks

This year's federal rollbacks make the state's latest lottery transfer more important than ever.

Todd Betzold profile pic

Todd Betzold

A elderly man with a shirt with the U.S. Virgin Islands Lottery logo.
Is the Virgin Islands Lottery showing states a new way to give back?

A final payment secured retiree checks, raising the question: Why isn't this system used elsewhere?

Todd Betzold profile pic

Todd Betzold

Recent articles

View All
Graph and Indiana Lottery logo
Beyond the jackpot: Inside Indiana’s lottery sales surge

How data analytics transformed scratch-off sales.

Samantha Herscher profile pic

Samantha Herscher

Individuals connected to lottery ticket thefts in South Carolina. Photo credit: Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
Is the holiday season fueling an uptick in lottery crime?

Lottery thefts spike as shopping season heats up — holiday craze or bigger trend?

Todd Betzold profile pic

Todd Betzold

“The House Always Wins". Photo credit: Elisha Frontz Art Facebook Page
Ohio artist turns family turmoil into a prize-winning quilt

Her father-in-law’s hidden addiction left boxes of tickets, but she turned them into 'Best in Show.'

Todd Betzold profile pic

Todd Betzold

Technology shaping future of lottery
How tech-savvy players are shaping the future of the lottery

From online tickets to automated services, players are setting the pace. Could this reshape how we all play?

Todd Betzold profile pic

Todd Betzold