Skilrock: "Lottery modernization should be incremental, measurable, and built around operational stability"

Lottery technology is changing, but not every operator has the luxury, or the appetite, to rebuild from scratch. For many in the industry, the concern is how to bring newer tools into systems that are already running, regulated, and relied on every day.

That is the issue Sujit Lahiry, Executive Director and CEO of Skilrock Technologies, will take up at the APLA Seminar 2026, where the company is participating as a Silver Sponsor. Lahiry is set to speak on “Integrating AI into Legacy Lottery Systems,” a key session set to equip attendees with key insights into this issue. 

In an exclusive interview with Yogonet, he discusses why modernization has to be practical, where AI can actually help, and how lotteries in the Asia-Pacific are thinking about regulation, responsible gaming, instant products, and player engagement.

Skilrock is joining the APLA Seminar 2026 as a Silver Sponsor. What makes this event particularly important for the company and for the lottery industry in the Asia-Pacific region?

APLA Seminar 2026 is one of the most prominent gatherings in the lottery and gaming industry across the Asia-Pacific region, bringing together regulators, operators, and technology leaders to shape the future of the sector.

For Skilrock, it is an important opportunity to strengthen regional partnerships, exchange ideas on responsible and digital gaming innovation, and contribute to conversations that are driving the industry forward. As a Silver Sponsor, we are proud to support an event that fosters collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth across the lottery ecosystem. 

Asia-Pacific is home to some of the world's most dynamic lottery markets, and we believe the best outcomes happen when industry stakeholders grow together. We're here to listen, connect, and contribute.

Skilrock will host a session titled “Integrating AI into Legacy Lottery Systems.” What are some of the biggest challenges lottery operators face when trying to modernize long-established systems?

One of the biggest challenges is bridging the gap between AI ambition and operational reality. Many operators are running on stable legacy systems that cannot be disrupted overnight, so it is wiser to have practical AI adoption rather than large-scale transformation promises.

Operators today want solutions that integrate with their existing infrastructure, demonstrate clear ROI, and can be adopted gradually across departments. There is also growing fatigue around AI being treated as a buzzword without measurable outcomes.

The focus has shifted from product-led conversations to outcome-led modernization, where technology genuinely improves efficiency, player engagement, compliance, and decision-making without adding operational complexity.

In my session, I hope to share practical perspectives and approaches that attendees will find insightful, relevant, and valuable for their own journeys. I look forward to an engaging and interactive session.

From your perspective, how can AI practically improve lottery operations without disrupting existing infrastructure and player trust?

AI can deliver the most value when it complements existing lottery operations rather than replacing them. Operators are looking for practical applications, such as smarter player engagement, predictive analytics, fraud detection, and operational automation, that integrate seamlessly with their current systems.

The reality is that technology ecosystems are evolving rapidly, and no single platform can build everything in-house. That is why open architecture and microservices-based platforms are becoming increasingly important, allowing operators to integrate best-in-class AI tools without disrupting core operations. 

At Skilrock, we believe modernization should be incremental, measurable, and built around operational stability.

Responsible gaming and regulatory oversight continue to gain importance worldwide. How is Skilrock evolving its Gaming Regulatory System to address the changing expectations of regulators and operators?

Our focus remains on meeting expectations around transparency, responsible gaming, real-time monitoring, AML compliance, and data-driven regulatory oversight. Today, regulatory technology is not just about compliance, but a strategic enabler for sustainable industry growth.

As the industry becomes more digital and interconnected, regulators increasingly need intelligent, real-time systems that can balance efficiency, compliance, and player protection. At Skilrock, our objective is to support regulators, operators, and players alike by fostering greater trust, operational integrity, and innovation across the ecosystem.

Instant lottery and scratch products remain highly popular across many markets in the region. What trends are you currently observing in player preferences and product innovation within these segments?

We see a strong demand for more engaging, fast-paced, and digitally connected instant lottery experiences, with players increasingly expecting seamless interaction across retail and digital channels.

Another important trend is the growing popularity of second-chance games, which is a definite way to extend the lifecycle and create a more continuous gaming experience.

There is also a growing preference for localized content and more connected player experiences that feel relevant to their specific market, demographics, culture, and communities, while extending beyond traditional gameplay.

Looking ahead, what are Skilrock’s main priorities for growth and innovation in the Asia-Pacific region?

Asia-Pacific is a key growth market for Skilrock, driven by rapid digital adoption and increasing focus on modernization across the lottery industry. Our priority is to strengthen partnerships with operators and regulators by delivering secure, scalable, and future-ready technology solutions.

We remain focused on advancing lottery, instant gaming, AI-driven operational intelligence, and regulatory technology, while also helping operators innovate responsibly and enhance player engagement in an evolving ecosystem.