The Washington Lottery does not offer an app for ticket sales. It is warning against an app that just launched in the state that allows residents to buy, scan and split lottery winnings using their smartphones.
Called Mido Lotto, it is owned by Lottery Now, a California company. It is not licensed by the Washington state lottery, but users can order Mega Millions and Powerball tickets through it.
Last week the Washington Lottery issued a statement warning about the app: “Because neither the Mido Lotto app nor its creator is an authorized, licensed retailer, Washington’s Lottery cannot guarantee the validity of purchases made via this app or appropriate payment to the player for tickets redeemed through the app.”
Lottery Now says it doesn’t want to go into scratch games or become a casino ap. Its goal is to introduce customers to Mega Millions. According to Lottery Now president Richard Wheeler, “You look at gaming apps, where it’s legal, and it’s about high-spending and high-rolling.” He added, “We have a very simple objective of lots of people spending small amounts of money.”
Customers can buy tickets for themselves or others. They can claim winnings or have tickets for large amounts mailed to them.
Nevertheless the Washington Lottery says it is consulting with the Attorney General about the app’s legality.
