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Pa. Lottery Launches Online Games Offering Up To $250K In Prizes

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The gaming landscape is constantly evolving in Pennsylvania.

With casinos offering more ways to play, including sports betting later this year, the PA Lottery is in a battle for your gaming dollars.

Enter iLottery and its screen full of games with names like Big Money SLINGO®, Bigfoot, Cash Buster Towers, Cash in the Lamp, Crossword Cash, Foxin' Wins, Monster Wins, Robin Hood, Super Cash Buster, Super Gems, and Volcano Eruption. All are designed for mobile devices like smartphones, iPads and laptops, and can be played, "in the comfort of your home or on the go and you can win up to $250,000," says Drew Svitko, Executive Director of the PA Lottery.

Svitko says the prizes and chance of winning vary by game and playing costs start as low as one cent.

"These products will help us ensure a stream of revenue for those important programs that benefit older Pennsylvanians," Svitko said.

pennsylvania lottery ilottery foxin wins
(Photo Credit: Pennsylvania Lottery)

Some people, like Dennis Washington who lives on Pittsburgh's North Side, worry about iLottery.

"It's easy access to something that could help you or could destroy your life," he said.

A concern shared by Sarah Wenrich, of Brookline.

"I think it could be a slippery slope for someone who has a gambling problem because it would be an easy way to lose your money," she said.

For that reason, iLottery has some self-controls available to players who want to play but keep it reasonable. Svitko says players can set a budget limit.

"You can place limits on the amount of time and take a cooling off period. Or you can self-exclude from the program entirely," he said.

Those guidelines can be set up when you register to play. You must be 18 to play and connect your online account to a bank account or a debit card. No credit cards are accepted.

pennsylvania lottery ilottery super cashbuster
(Photo Credit: Pennsylvania Lottery)

Loyal customers say iLottery is just a natural extension to where lottery players already are. Katori Tamsil lives on the North Side.

"If we're on apps anyway, why not download it, you know? Just to see what it's about. It sounds like fun," she said.

The games can be played online at pailottery.com or on a tablet or smartphone via the PA Lottery official app, available on Apple and Android devices.

You can also try out demos of the games for free on the website before deciding if you want to pay to play.

The PA Lottery is not done with its expansion. Later this month, in the locations now offering Keno, Express Sports Football and Car Racing will be available.

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