OLG eyes self-serve lottery terminals in retail locations
Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is preparing to launch self-serve lottery terminals at select retail locations across the province.
If approved, the approximately 1,400 self-serve terminals will not replace retailer-operated lottery terminals, but rather be an additional device at current lottery retailer outlets. The move, according to OLG, will enhance both the customer and retailer experience by reducing congestion at point-of-sale, while driving increased sales (and, in turn, commission revenues for c-stores and other retailers).
“OLG is embracing innovative, self-serve technology to deliver safe, secure, and convenient access to our popular lottery tickets,” Duncan Hannay, OLG’s president and CEO, said in a release. “Expanding and growing our lottery business is part of our plan to continuously improve the customer experience and deliver innovative gaming experiences for players while creating value for the Province of Ontario and our retail partners.”
Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy said the government is committed to ensuring that Ontario’s gaming market is innovative and responsive to the needs of both consumers and retailers: “With today’s announcement, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation will take steps to make its lottery products more accessible, while maintaining its commitment to social responsibility.”
The first step is for OLG to engage c-stores and other retail partners other industry stakeholders to proactively build support and answer questions about the new terminals. Subject to further government approvals, the plan is to begin introducing terminals into retail locations in the second half of 2023.
“Ontario Convenience Store Association (OCSA) members are dedicated to the highest standard for responsible retailing practices and look forward to offering this new technology in their stores,” said CEO Dave Bryans. “We know that self-serve options are important for customers and that these new terminals would enhance the retail lottery experience — benefiting our members’ businesses and increasing the important economic contribution they make to Ontario.”
OLG is working with IGT Global Solutions Corporation to design and build the self-serve terminals.
“IGT looks forward to the possibility of introducing our self-serve terminals as OLG responsibly advances the player experience in Ontario,” said Jay Gendron, IGT COO, Global Lottery. “Our self-serve terminals were built on IGT’s decades of experience designing and deploying some of the industry’s most advanced self-service solutions. Self-serve lottery terminals in Ontario would include responsible gambling functionality and AODA-compliant accessibility features to enhance convenience for all lottery players.”
Tailored responsible gambling messaging, as well as age-attestation at time of purchase, would be fully integrated into the self-serve terminals, according to OLG. As is always the case with OLG lottery games, 100% of proceeds from the self-serve machines would reinvested to support provincial priorities and help build strong communities. Since 1975, OLG has provided approximately $55 billion to the people and Province of Ontario to support key government priorities like health care; the treatment and prevention of problem gambling; and support for amateur athletes. Each year proceeds from OLG's operations also support host communities, Ontario First Nations, lottery retailers and local charities across the province.