In the latest issue of NASPL Insights, Patricia McQueen explores how technology is helping lotteries make inroads into new retailers and new trade styles, as well as enhance lottery presence in existing locations. We’re proud to see so many of our lottery customers’ forward-thinking initiatives featured, from BCLC and Texas Lottery’s in-lane programs, to Virginia Lottery’s digital pilot program and the Washington’s Lottery Department of Imagination store.

“Digital menu boards are popping up in a few lottery retailers across North America, with the most dramatic display in place at the Department of Imagination store opened by Washington’s Lottery last December,” said McQueen. “Featuring an entire wall of digital content, the store is a feast for the senses. Carmanah Signs provided the digital boards for that location, and also for a pilot currently underway in Virginia, along with displays in a few other markets. The company also offers small-footprint countertop digital displays where space is a consideration.”

The pilot program in Virginia is currently testing Carmanah’s Digital Menu Boards and Digital PlayStations, supporting the Virginia Lottery in their mission to improve the lottery retail experience for their customers.

“We spend a lot of time and money producing paper POS materials, so another reason for going digital is to limit those costs and be environmentally friendly at the same time,” said Tom Sawyer, Virginia Lottery’s Director of Sales. “Our corporate accounts are far ahead of lotteries in leveraging technology for their own use and also for the customer experience. We are at the beginning stages, but I’m excited to be starting the journey.”

Carmanah’s President and CEO, Cameron Waldie, was also featured discussing digital retail transformation and return on investment.

“Consumers expect digital capabilities and positive brand experiences,” said Waldie. “Customers are delighted when their shopping processes move easily across retail, mobile and online – we get frustrated easily when we can’t. Lottery, and every other industry, has to strive for seamless channel integration over time.”
“Our recommendation for lotteries is to find a way to spend small amounts of money on a few innovative pilots per year, trying incremental projects on a platform that can scale,” Waldie went on to say. “When a digital sign pilot yields positive ROI, and most do, lotteries can then invest at scale with confidence.”

To read the full July/August issue of NASPL Insights, visit: https://www.nasplmatrix.org/insights#insightsViewer/

NASPL: Focus on Retail Technology