Panel approves Michigan contract for 'iLottery'

Panel approves Michigan Lottery contract for Internet offerings scheduled to start this year

LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- A state panel has approved a Michigan Lottery contract for "iLottery," billed as a way to help fund public schools and keep the lottery relevant.

The Michigan Lottery announced that the action Tuesday by the State Administrative Board finalized the iLottery services contract with Pollard Banknote Limited, which already provides ticket printing and other services for the state's lottery operations.

The contract is expected to have a value of about $23.2 million for the first four years.

Michigan plans to sell lottery tickets and offer games online starting in the final three months of the year. The state says increased sales are projected to increase the Michigan Lottery's contributions to the state School Aid Fund by about $480 million over the next eight years.