C A S E  S T U D Y
Illinois Lottery’s Invisible Lottery System Migration

Bulletproof’s Initiate — Discover — Design — Build — Implement solutions framework helped the Illinois Lottery seamlessly transition from one lottery systems provider to another without any interruption to the Lottery’s operations or revenue streams.

Our experts developed deep working relationships with the Illinois Lottery team and the two primary lottery systems vendors as they used Bulletproof’s proven methodology to gain a thorough understanding of the project before getting started.

Bulletproof worked alongside internal teams for two and a half years to facilitate the transition from the previous Illinois Lottery manager to a new lottery manager. Bulletproof established and operated a PMO to manage all resources associated with this transition. Lottery operations and business management processes were migrated, including core system migration to deliver a new retail network, new data centers, new iLottery platform and integration with the Lottery’s scratch ticket management system.

During the Discovery phase, Bulletproof mapped all Lottery draw, audit, and instant ticket processes deployed using external and internal control lottery systems. Our experts also implemented governance processes to ensure quality delivery by vendors in project management, development and quality assurance testing, data center and network design and implementation, and retailer rollout and security. Throughout this process, Bulletproof kept a laser focus on priority tasks that could impact the go-live date.

Ultimately, the transition project was delivered successfully and on time. Bulletproof’s extensive knowledge of Lottery processes and IT systems enabled the Lottery and its new vendors to hit the ground running, saving time and effort for Vendor’s staff, the Illinois Lottery’s staff, and the new private manager’s staff.

The Bulletproof PMO process is a proven, effective framework for successfully managing this type of large transformation project.

Bulletproof’s partnership with the Illinois Lottery as they undertook a massive and potentially risky migration project created a seamless transition that was invisible to lottery players. The Lottery experienced zero downtime as a result of this transition.

Bulletproof also ensured that the Illinois Lottery didn’t encounter any critical performance issues when they went live with their new systems provider, helping them avoid any damage to their reputation or their bottom line.

Greg Doucette, Senior VP of Professional Services at Bulletproof, “It’s Bulletproof and GLI’s in-depth professional experience in Lottery Operations that allows us to implement a Project Management Office to bring pragmatic, efficient and effective project management processes to large lottery transition projects being delivered on-time and on-budget. This allows lotteries to focus on things that matter most; continuing to generate revenue to support good causes across the state. ”

Transitioning your entire lottery system from one provider to another is an enormous project. Many things could go wrong, resulting in lottery system downtime, lost sales, and reduced trust in the lottery organization.

Bulletproof was chosen to helm this project because of our track record of success in providing PMO services and technical expertise to lottery and gaming organizations undertaking these types of projects. Our detailed discovery process helps to ensure that no unforeseen issues can arise and derail a high-stakes, time-sensitive project.

Headquartered in Canada with locations across the United States and around the globe, Bulletproof has decades of technology, security, and compliance expertise, enabling lottery operations to grow profitability and build their reputation.

The lottery industry’s rapid adoption of technology in recent years has also come with escalated risks. Bulletproof has extensive experience working with lotteries and top gaming organizations to help modernize or integrate their systems and applications, manage complex projects, develop RFPs, ensure systems are thoroughly tested before going to market, and introduce new gaming sources of revenue – all while mitigating security risks. Bulletproof helps ensure lottery systems are dependable, secure, and operating smoothly. Named Microsoft’s global Security Partner of the Year in 2021 for delivering excellence and innovative end-to-end security solutions and is a member of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA).