International Game Technology (IGT) announced on Thursday that it has extended its lottery gaming systems contract to deploy cashless lottery technology for Washington's Lottery, making Washington the seventh U.S. state to leverage IGT's cashless lottery solutions. This agreement extends IGT's current contract through June 30, 2029.
IGT will implement hardware modifications and software development to outfit 2,000 lottery self-service vending machines with cashless functionality as part of the new agreement. The cashless functionality will allow Washington's Lottery players to purchase lottery products with debit cards on IGT's GameTouch 28, GameTouch 24, and GameTouch 20 self-service vending machines that are placed at lottery retailers throughout the state.
Washington's Lottery Director Marcus Glasper, said: "Washington's Lottery has relied on IGT's trusted partnership and forward-thinking expertise for more than 25 years. Within that time, IGT has helped us navigate the ever-evolving lottery landscape and provide us with innovative solutions to consistently engage new players. The addition of cashless functionality on self-service machines is another chapter in our development, and allows players to have a flexible, convenient, and secure way to purchase their favorite lottery games."
IGT Chief Operating Officer, Lottery Jay Gendron, commented: "IGT has a deep understanding of the growth-driving products and solutions Washington's Lottery needs to help reach its business goals. Since our current contract began in 2016, we have worked closely with the Lottery to increase its annual lottery sales by 37 percent, culminating in $950 million in total sales for the most recent fiscal year. We'll continue to support the Lottery in maximizing its funds toward good causes, including the Washington Opportunity Pathways Account which funds educational programs around the state, while delivering entertaining and responsible experiences for its players."
IGT has served as the primary lottery technology supplier to Washington's Lottery since 1996. In addition to self-service lottery machines, IGT provides Washington's Lottery with its central system, retail terminals and equipment, instant tickets, and field services.
IGT central systems process more than 75% of U.S. lottery sales.