By way of an update to a previously reported story, three automated ticket vending machines have been installed in Sault Ste. Marie recently. This marks the Sault’s inclusion in a pilot project that was announced in late February, that will offer customers another option through which to purchase lottery tickets, according to OLG representative Tony Bitonti.
The SST machines have been installed across the province, with the majority of them concentrated in Southern Ontario. Locally, they can be found at Pino’s Get Fresh on Trunk Road, Circle K on McNabb Street, and Gateway Casino Sault Ste. Marie on Bay Street.
Bitonti further clarified that upon completion of the pilot project, more will be installed across the province including the Sault and area.
Previously reported
Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has begun piloting self-serve lottery terminals (SSTs) in select retail locations. The terminals, which deploy some of the industry’s most advanced self-service solutions, offer customers a new safe, secure and convenient way to purchase lottery products.
The pilot begins after extensive consultation and collaboration with OLG’s retail partners and other industry stakeholders. Customers can use the terminals to purchase national and regional lottery games, as well as a broad selection of the most popular INSTANT tickets, using a debit or credit card.
“OLG continues to look for new ways to deliver engaging gaming experiences that create value for our retail partners and for the Province of Ontario,” says Nancy Kennedy, OLG’s Chief Lottery and Customer Officer. “Self-serve terminals will help us meet evolving consumer and retailer preferences while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible play.”
Age verification and tailored responsible gambling messaging are fully integrated into the SSTs. As an additional security measure, the terminals can be disabled remotely by the retailer.
Approximately 140 SSTs will be introduced throughout the pilot. Pilot locations are primarily in the GTA and Sault Ste. Marie, and were selected based on criteria such as high volume, high traffic locations, population density and available space. While SSTs offer a new, convenient option, consumers will continue to have the choice to purchase lottery tickets at retail counters or online at OLG.ca.
The pilot is expected to run until May 2024. OLG anticipates launching additional SSTs more broadly throughout the province later in 2024.
Photo credit: credit hwb.news
I disapprove