Michigan Lottery and IWG Extend Technology Partnership Until 2032

The digital landscape of the US lottery sector is undergoing significant long-term shifts, as evidenced by the recent announcement from the Michigan Lottery. The state entity and its long-term technological ally, Instant Win Gaming (IWG), have signed a new contract extension that solidifies their relationship through July 2032. This six-year extension is a testament to the success of their digital strategy, which has turned Michigan into a focal point for iLottery innovation in North America.

Under the terms of the new agreement, the Michigan Lottery will continue to expand its portfolio of eInstant games. These digital-first products, which resemble traditional scratch cards but with interactive elements, have become a cornerstone of the state's gaming revenue. Players can expect a steady stream of new content, including popular titles such as Wild Time Triple Play and Gem7’s Triple Play. IWG is committed to developing new experiences at a rapid pace to keep the audience engaged and elevate the lottery's overall profile.

Numbers and facts

The history of this partnership dates back to 2016, a year that marked a milestone for the US lottery industry. At that time, Michigan became the first state lottery to fully integrate IWG’s InstantRGS (remote game server), setting a precedent for other jurisdictions. The new agreement ensures that this integration will remain in place for at least another six years. Jason Lisiecki, EVP at IWG, highlighted the importance of this continued trust during his comments on the fresh deal.

"We are incredibly proud to extend our partnership with Michigan Lottery since 2016, when the Lottery became the first in the US to integrate with IWG's InstantRGS. The integration provides the Michigan Lottery with a further six years." - Jason Lisiecki, EVP at IWG

Background

IWG’s focus is on delivering high-quality instant win games that cater to a modern, mobile-savvy audience. By strengthening its footprint in Michigan, IWG is positioning itself for further expansion across the United States. Michigan is often cited as a leader in digital lottery innovation, making it an ideal partner for testing new game mechanics and distribution methods. The partners aim to provide innovative experiences while increasing their overall commercial reach in a highly competitive digital entertainment market.

Why it matters for German players

While the news focuses on the American market, it highlights the global trend toward regulated digital gaming. In Germany, the regulatory environment is defined by the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021). Unlike the US, where states like Michigan have significant autonomy, German players are subject to nationwide rules, such as the 1,000 Euro monthly deposit limit tracked via the LUGAS system. Furthermore, virtual slots in Germany are restricted by a 1 Euro per spin limit. For German residents, the lesson from Michigan’s success is the importance of playing only on platforms licensed by the GGL (Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder) to ensure maximum player protection and legal certainty.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For casinos operating under a German license, the Michigan-IWG deal underscores the importance of technological reliability. Long-term contracts with game providers allow for better planning and player retention. However, GGL-licensed operators must ensure that all new titles meet the strict criteria set by German authorities, which can sometimes slow down the deployment of new games compared to the US market. Despite these hurdles, sticking to licensed providers remains the only way to protect players from the risks associated with illegal offshore sites, such as those licensed in Curacao or by the MGA, which do not offer the same level of oversight as the GGL.