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Lottery specialist Scientific Games has announced a deal to offer NBA-licensed scratch-off lottery games.
The agreement with the NBA marks a big win for one of the country’s premier lottery providers and gives lottery fans a way to interact with their favorite teams without signing up for sports betting.
Celtics-themed Massachusetts Lottery game went live last month
Massachusetts was the first state to debut the NBA games, offering lottery customers Celtics Banner 18, a $10 scratcher highlighting the Boston Celtics’ 18 championships. Though Scientific Games’ NBA licensing agreement was announced earlier this month, Celtics Banner 18 debuted on Nov. 19.
“The Celtics are one of the most iconic franchises in all of sports, and we are thrilled to commemorate their most recent championship with a ticket that offers their passionate fanbase the opportunity to win up to one million dollars and a variety of experiential and merchandise prizes,” Massachusetts State Lottery Executive Director Mark William Bracken said.
Mechanic wins first of six $1 million Celtics Banner 18 prizes
In less than a month’s time, the game had its first $1 million winner (the game has six $1 million prizes). The lucky customer? A mechanic from Seekonk named Brian Rego, according to a report from a Boston CBS affiliate.
In an interview with CBS, the lottery said that Rego planned to use his winnings to invest, buy a new car for his wife, and attend the NBA Finals next year.
The lottery notes that the chances of winning the $1 million prize are 1 in 1,008,000. Celtics Banner 18 provides prizes ranging from $10 to $1 million. The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 3.48.
Scientific Games continues US growth
Earlier this month, Scientific Games announced that the Ohio Lottery had chosen it as its lottery gaming system technology partner.
On Dec. 2, it revealed it had signed a new technology contract with the North Dakota Lottery. And, in October, Scientific Games announced that it had signed a 10-year extension of its services for the Kentucky Lottery.
“The Kentucky Lottery is always looking for new and exciting games to offer our players and retailers, and the Lottery’s continued partnership with Scientific Games will ensure we are doing just that,” Kentucky Lottery President Mary Harville said in a statement.
