Supplier News

US – Scientific improves speed of buying lottery games in retail checkout lanes

By Phil - 13 August 2020

Scientific Games is expanding its partnership with InComm to advance a secure solution for shoppers to purchase drawing-based lottery games like POWERBALL and Mega Millions and lottery instant “scratch” games along with other store products directly in retail checkout lanes. The new solution makes the purchase quick and convenient for consumers, and supports vital lottery funding for state programs including health and welfare, senior citizens, veterans, education, the environment and infrastructure. Currently, lottery retail sales in the U.S. top $81bn annually.

Scientific Games’ collaboration with InComm to expand lottery distribution channels began in 2015 with prepaid and payment card solutions offering new ways for consumers to purchase lottery games. With more than 25 years of global experience in the FinTech industry, Atlanta-based InComm’s products and services enable retailers and brands to create seamless commerce experiences in store, online or via mobile for millions of consumers.

“Our vision for retail innovation includes integrated solutions that support lottery revenues with the most advanced technology possible,” said Randall Lex, VP Lottery Retail Solutions for Scientific Games. “This partnership with InComm is another example of Scientific Games’ commitment to invest in retail innovation that opens opportunities for lotteries to bring products safely, quickly and conveniently to players wherever they are.”

Lex said the synergies created by Scientific Games and InComm’s combined experience and extensive knowledge will provide lotteries and retailers the opportunity to implement lottery sales in new and secure points of access, providing a significant penetration in new retail channels that do not currently sell lottery.

Lottery games are sold at 220,000 retailers in 46 states across the U.S. InComm conducts its business across an impressive network of retailers including the biggest chains in big box, pharmacy, value and convenience brands at over 130,000 store locations. Of those 130,000 locations, approximately one-third are the highest volume lottery retailers in the US today and represent an opportunity for lotteries to generate incremental revenue through product innovations. Another third of these locations currently do not sell lottery today represent a significant opportunity for lotteries to grow their distribution networks with new retailers.

“Central to this partnership is the shared objective of responsibly growing lottery revenues and attracting new customers for lotteries and retailers alike,” said Tim Richardson, Senior Vice President, for InComm. “InComm and the retailers we support are excited by the innovation opportunities that this partnership represents. Most importantly, we’re honoured to support the ultimate beneficiaries of lottery programs which are people and communities throughout the U.S.”

This expanded partnership between Scientific Games and InComm will fuel the implementation of more innovations such as quick pick options for POWERBALL and Mega Millions in Arizona. It also enables new opportunities for instant game retail sales through the SCiQ in-lane solution.