Scientific Games and Allwyn Partner for New Tech
New scratchcard technology is coming to UK supermarkets via a trial being rolled out by the operator of the National Lottery and Scientific Games.
Key Facts:
- Allwyn took over as operator of the National Lottery last year
- Company is launching digital displays for its scratchcard range
- Shoppers at an Asda store are the first to get a chance to use it
- The CiQ retail technology is offered for the first time in Europe
Allwyn became the UK’s lottery operator in 2024 as part of its expansion plans, with the company now bringing digital displays selling scratchcards to stores.
An Asda store in Ashton-under-Lyne is being used for the trial thanks to a deal with Allwyn’s technological partner, Scientific Games.
The SCiQ retail ecosystem has a 27-inch player-facing digital display, while store staff have a touchscreen terminal.
There is also an automated dispensing unit where the National Lottery Scratchcard games are kept secure.
Transforming The Lottery
Various data-driven features have also been included in the technology, such as touch-of-a-button store reporting and automated inventory management.
Real-time store-specific sales analytics and performance reports are also available as well.
Jenny Blogg, the operations director for Allwyn, said the rollout comes as the company continues “transforming The National Lottery from the inside, out”.
She added: “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.”
“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.”
The scratchcard technology rollout comes shortly after Allwyn confirmed it had bought a majority stake in the parent company of Novibet.
Speeding Up Sales
The main aim of the new scratchcard system is to make it faster for staff to sell to customers.
Senior director for productivity – retail & ALS at Asda, Kevin Besford, said the supermarket was happy to be able to “simplify our customers’ journey” via the trial.
He said: “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.”
Asda is the UK’s second-largest supermarket chain, and the SCiQ retail technology is being used for the first time in Europe.
