【Pragmatic Play casino】Scientific Games Supplies Iowa with Self

This week, Scientific Games announced that it has completed the launch of its cutting-edge self-service lottery terminals across numerous locations in Iowa.

The provider’s proprietary PlayCentral Powered by SCiQ terminals are now up and running at select retailers and are available to local players. Numbers suggest that in 2024, approximately 79% of the U.S. players were regularly using self-service terminals at retailers.

That’s why the lottery provider enhanced its renowned PlayCentral terminals with its SCiQ retail ecosystem. The idea is to streamline instant game inventory management and sales info while providing real-time data to retailers and the lottery.

Over the last decades, Scientific Games has proven to be a leading name in providing retail and digital products for government-run lottery and sports betting agencies. The lottery distributor is known for its robust data analytics, retail solutions, and iLottery offerings. Founded in 1973, the company continues to elevate the brand of lottery worldwide.

Bolstering Iowa Lottery’s Product

With the installation of PlayCentral Powered by SCiQ, Iowa Lottery is looking to revolutionise its lottery product in store for both consumers and retailers. Currently, over 14,000 PlayCentral terminals are available in 13 jurisdictions in North America, with 8,000+ of those relying on the SCiQ tech. More of these cutting-edge terminals will be deployed throughout 2025.

Besides offering a convenient and compelling in-store experience for players, the terminal also simplifies the retailers’ control of Iowa Lottery offerings. They also provide key data that helps the state lottery serve its player base better and meet its revenue projections.

Thanks to the SCiQ system in the self-service terminals, the Iowa Lottery and retailers will have access to real-time data with exact sales numbers and inventory management. With this functionality, retailers will be able to manage products more confidently, while also decreasing inefficiencies and ensuring maximum product availability.

Meanwhile, with the SCiQ system, the Iowa Lottery can also utilise the data to bolster its portfolio management of games. It will also develop more targeted promotions and improve retail distribution for Iowa Lottery Scratch Games.

Commenting on the latest terminal launch, Mike Cardell, Senior VP, Americas Systems for Scientific Games, said the following:

“SCiQ is revolutionising how lottery products are managed at retail by delivering both tactical and strategic analytics. We’ve incorporated all of SCiQ’s benefits within our industry-leading PlayCentral self-service machines.”

Partnering Since 1985

For fiscal 2023-24, Iowa Lottery recorded US$494 million in sales, used to support key programs and improve various sectors in the state. SG and the Lottery have been working in unison since 1985.

Presently, the provider delivers its lottery gaming system, retail point-of-sale tech and retailer management system to the Lottery. That’s not all, as the provider also supplies the lottery with instant scratch game and licensed brands.

As mentioned, SC is a prominent name in the world of lottery offerings. It specialises in the delivery of lottery systems provider, delivering retail and digital games, technology, analytics, and services to lotteries. At the moment, it provides its services to over 150 lotteries in 50 jurisdictions across the globe.

Iowa Moratorium Bill Lacks Support

Just recently, Iowa saw legislation for a moratorium on new casino licenses fail at the Iowa Senate. If approved, House File 144 would have put a five-year moratorium on new commercial gambling licenses. It would have also developed new standards for the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission when reviewing future applications.

In addition to that, the bill would have banned IRGC from issuing licenses to casinos that could affect the revenue of the current casinos in the state by a 10% margin. Lastly, the legislation would have forbidden new applications from countries where gambling submissions were rejected in the last eight years.

Sen. Ken Rozenboom, R-Oskaloosa, clarified that there was not enough backing for the moratorium bill from Senate Republicans. That’s why he decided against debating the item during a State Government Committee meeting.

Cedar Rapids Gets the Nod

Since House File 144 did not move forward, IRGC was able to approve a casino application for Cedar Rapids. With the license, Cedar Rapids Development Group, LLC, and the Linn County Gaming Association, LLC can move forward with plans for the development of the Cedar Crossing Casino.

This is a US$275 million project which will be built on the former Cooper’s Mill site on the west side of the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids. The groundbreaking has already started, as just after the successful vote, the companies began official work on the project.

IRGC approved the multi-million-dollar project with a 4-1 vote on February 6, 2025. However, the project faces disapproval from Riverside Casino and the Washington County Riverboat Foundation. They argue that under a 2021 Linn County referendum, a language states that new gaming is not allowed in the county. The two took matters to court.

Still, Cedar Crossing Casino seems to be moving forward and has a deadline of October 31, 2027, to be completed. The new entertainment complex is projected to boost economic value of the region, bringing over US$60 million in new gambling revenue for the state.