The world of lotteries and scratch cards might be one filled with numbers, odds and big cash prizes, but it’s also a place where the world of sci-fi thrives.
Although the common theme of many international lotteries and scratch cards is a plain motif featuring balls and numbers, some operators have chosen to inject some fun into their products with a series of themed products.
Since late 2013, the North Carolina Education Lottery has used a range of Star Trek images to add some color to its scratch cards. Featuring everything from the Starship Enterprise and Voyager to the Next Generation crew, the game cards are not only a homage to one of the greatest sci-fi shows of all time but also filled with cash (up to $20,000).
In addition to TV-themed lottery tickets and scratch cards, gaming organizations have also dipped into the world of board games. The West Virginia Lottery was one of the latest operators to inject some color into its games with the introduction of Monopoly-styled products.
Available online as part of the state’s range of virtual lottery products, which includes Daily 4, Cash 25 and Keno, Monopoly Millionaires Club has proven to be a popular choice among regular gamers looking for something extra.
The world of lotteries and scratch cards might not seem like a good fit for the likes of slightly nerdy shows such as Star Trek. However, given that the industry’s regular selection of games are somewhat boring to look at, the use of such themes has proved immensely popular.
In fact, the process of giving lottery tickets a theme is one that seems to be piquing the interests of non-gaming fans. Although knowing Jean-Luc Picard from Captain Kirk and Scotty won’t help you win any more cash, it does seem to have given non-lottery players a sense of familiarity which they find hugely appealing.
top image via Gage Skidmore