Allwyn partners with Scientific Games to trial new National Lottery digital scratchcard purchasing option

Google Street View You can now find the new digital scratchcard machines at Asda in Ashton-under-Lyne

The UK's National Lottery operator, Allwyn, has begun testing an innovative scratchcard purchasing option for land-based ticket buyers. 

Initial trials are currently being held at an Asda supermarket in Ashton-under-Lyne. Customers visiting this venue can buy scratchcards via this new method, which utilises advanced dispensers and touchscreens to complete transactions. 

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Scientific Games, the developer behind Allwyn’s new-look scratchcard buying option, has already successfully implemented the service in the United States. Dubbed ‘SCiQ’, this technology seeks to create efficiencies throughout the purchasing process. 

As part of its refined approach towards new scratchcard buying options, Allwyn plans to implement “an engaging 40-inch customer-facing digital display, a touchscreen terminal for use by store staff, and an automated dispensing unit that securely houses National Lottery scratchcard games.”

In addition to quickening scratchcard purchases, SCiQ technology provides retailers with real-time data for sales analytics, market performance reports, automated in-store inventory management and touch-of-a-button store-specific information. According to Scientific Games, SCiQ also delivers increased security functionality.

Asda’s retail and senior director of productivity, Kevin Besford, touched on the topic of transaction speed while speaking on the SCiQ scratchcard trials: “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.”

Allwyn’s 10-scratchcard limit, enforced in October 2024, will now be implemented automatically by Scientific Games’ SCiQ system, eliminating the potential for store staff to hand out more than 10 scratchcards per transaction erroneously. 

This partnership marks the first phase of Allwyn’s testing process. Future tests shall be guided by the results of this months-long trial period; with plans to unveil further practice runs on the National Lottery’s agenda. 

VP for lottery marketing strategy at Scientific Games, Christopher Allen, expressed his thoughts on the ongoing retail trial: “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.”

Jenny Blogg, Allwyn operations director, also discussed the retail test: “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.”

Blogg went on to voice excitement at the initial impact of the trial: “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.”

In-store National Lottery scratchcards can be found at the customer service area within Ashton-under-Lyne’s participating Asda establishment, as UK SCiQ technology has been developed precisely with this section of the store in mind.

Further, recently Allwyn acquired a 51% in Novibet and they also created faster payout speeds for shop-bought tickets, in order to adapt to modern payment methods and keep up with customer demand.