Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, is delighted to unveil innovative Scratchcard retail technology that it is trialling at an Asda store in Ashton-under-Lyne.

Developed by Allwyn’s lottery technology partner, Scientific Games, the hi-tech Scratchcard dispenser – named the SCiQ retail ecosystem – features an engaging 27-inch player-facing digital display, a touch screen terminal for use by store staff, and an automated dispensing unit which securely houses National Lottery Scratchcard games. This is the first deployment of SCiQ in Europe, following successful use of the technology in the United States.

In a first for The National Lottery and the UK, the advanced technology speeds up the Scratchcard sales process, while providing retailers with a comprehensive suite of data-driven features, including touch-of-a-button store reporting, automated inventory management, real-time store-specific sales analytics and performance reports.

The software has been designed in line with Allwyn’s pioneering 10-Scratchcard limit, with it automatically preventing Asda store staff from selecting more than 10 National Lottery Scratchcards per transaction.

The impressive player-facing digital screen displays the game artwork of 20 different National Lottery Scratchcards available for purchase, and these images are automatically updated when new games are loaded into the secure dispenser – with the display artwork linked to the barcode on the Scratchcard. Once a customer has decided which games they want from the screen, the store’s staff member simply selects the customer’s choice from the digital touch screen terminal. The secure system then automatically records the ticket information as it dispenses the Scratchcards, with the tickets then handed to the customer.

Innovating for a changing retail landscape and new-look stores, both Allwyn and Asda worked with Scientific Games to customise SCiQ specifically to be installed in the customer service area of the Asda store. The first phase of a trial will take several months as Allwyn tests the technology to inform any future wider rollout plans.

Allwyn’s Operations Director, Jenny Blogg, said, “As we continue transforming The National Lottery from the inside, out, we’re deploying innovative lottery technology fit for the future. Thanks to the teams at Allwyn and Scientific Games, this innovative concept Scratchcard retail technology takes player and retailer experience to a whole new level and we’re confident it will change the way people buy Scratchcards. We also worked closely with Asda to meet the specific requirements of their new-look store and are absolutely delighted with how it’s turned out. We’ll now assess it over the next few months to determine how we move forward with the technology, but we’re really excited by the initial results.”

Christopher Allen, VP, Lottery Marketing Strategy for Scientific Games, said, “Our global technology teams continue Scientific Games’ 50+ year commitment to innovate across the lottery landscape and bring to market new, advanced technologies helping lotteries future-proof across all channels of play. We are delighted to bring our proven SCiQ retail ecosystem to our partnership with Allwyn and thrilled that Asda was the first retailer in the UK to deploy the system in store.”

Kevin Besford, Senior Director Productivity - Retail & ALS at Asda, said: “We are always looking at ways to simplify our customers' journey in our stores and as part of that we've recognised that customers can often spend too long waiting at our kiosks and customer service desks. This UK-first trial will provide customers looking to purchase lottery tickets with a faster shopping experience when they visit our Ashton store, and we're pleased to have partnered with Allwyn to test this new technology."

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