Lottery operator Camelot has been trialling a system that enables retailers to dispense National Lottery scratchcards electronically.

The Convenience Central system (C-Central) has been tested in two Spar stores in Beddau, Mid Glamorgan, and Wylde Green, Birmingham, over a 12-week period. Under the new system, scratchcard packs are activated before being loaded into secure dispensing bins stored under the checkout. A display sign informs shoppers of the cards available for sale.

When a shopper asks for a scratchcard, the retailer scans the corresponding card and C-Central issues the ticket once payment has been received. Sales can easily be tracked via the store’s epos system.

Spar retail development controller Barry Wallis said he was pleased with the system’s performance. He said: “The system has meant a significant reduction in the time it takes staff to reconcile scratchcard sales and stock, and reduced administration. Customers have been impressed with the efficiency of service, and sales in the test stores are tracking positively.”

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