Huge change to how shoppers buy National Lottery scratchcards trialled by major supermarket ‘for first time in 30 years’
A HUGE change to how shoppers buy National Lottery scratchcards is being trialled by a major supermarket for “the first time in 30 years”.
The innovative approach is set to become the first of its kind in any UK supermarket.
And Ashton-under-Lyne locals will be first to test the new high tech.
Shoppers at Asda will be faced with the new high-tech, marking the first change in how the cards are bought in 30 years.
The change to an innovative scratchcard dispenser comes after National Lottery operator, Allwyn, partnered with Scientific Games.
A 40-inch customer-facing digital display will replace the current over-the-counter system.
The modern Sci-Q Scratchcard dispenser will even feature a touch screen terminal for use by store colleagues.
National Lottery Scratchcard games will be stored securely in an automated dispenser.
Customers looking to nab a card for themselves could enjoy the system which offers faster purchasing and ease of use.
The software is expected to provide special analysis on sales and daily reports on stock levels and performance.
Asda store colleagues will be prevented from selecting more than 10 National Lottery Scratchcards per transaction due to a pioneering limit.
Around 20 different types of scratchcards will be available for purchase.
Customers will be able to view the most up to date games available and then once they have made their choice a colleague will enable the selection.
The dispenser will then release the relevant product for customers to pocket.
Following success of the scheme in the US, this will be the first of its kind in Europe.
With Allwyn and Asda working together for the partnership, it is expected the phasing in of the trial could take several months.
Allwyn’s Operations Director Jenny Blogg said: “As we continue transforming The National Lottery from the inside, out, we’re developing innovative lottery technology fit for the future.
“Thanks to the teams at Allwyn and Scientific Games, this new concept Scratchcard dispenser 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.”
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.”