Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, is trialling an innovative Scratchcard dispenser at Asda’s Ashton-under-Lyne store, in what is a first for a UK supermarket.
Developed with lottery technology partner, Scientific Games, the new hi-tech Sci-Q Scratchcard dispenser features a 40-inch customer-facing digital display, a touch screen terminal for use by store colleagues, and a special automated dispensing unit which securely houses National Lottery Scratchcard games.
In a first for The National Lottery, Asda, and the UK, the technologically advanced Scratchcard dispenser will make Scratchcard purchases faster than ever before.
Its special software provides real-time game sale analysis and uses data to create automated daily reports on key information, including sales performance and stock levels.
The software has been designed in line with Allwyn’s pioneering 10-Scratchcard limit, with it automatically preventing Asda store colleague from selecting more than 10 National Lottery Scratchcards per transaction.
The 40-inch customer-facing screen displays images of the 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, a colleague simply selects the customer’s choice from the digital touch screen terminal. The secure dispenser unit then automatically dispenses the scratchcards, and these are handed to the customer.
Both Allwyn and Asda worked together to design the dispenser 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 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.”
