Scientific Games partners Abacus to enable lottery sales in retail checkout lanes

New York-listed supplier Scientific Games has partnered Abacus Solutions International to develop a new platform to allow lottery games to be sold in retail checkout lanes.

The deal will see Scientific Games integrate the Abacus Fusion Platform with its SCiQ retail technology system and AEGIS lottery draw game systems technology.

The new retail solution will allow shoppers to purchase instant and draw games at retail checkout lanes, rather than at a separate customer service counters or self-service machines. Abacus currently has more than 30,000 lanes enabled with its lottery service across Europe, including with Dutch state-owned operator De Lotto.

“Our research shows that in grocery stores in particular, only 5 per cent of shoppers visit the area of the store where the lottery terminal is located and games can be purchased,” said Abacus Solutions CEO Simon Butler. “The Abacus technology enables draw-based lottery tickets and instant games to be purchased at any retail point-of-sale-terminal, and dramatically increases valuable lottery terminal foot-print in stores at a minimal cost.

“Our partnership with Scientific Games is a significant and exciting step forward, enabling Abacus technology with our retail partners to offer huge growth opportunities for lotteries and their beneficiaries.”

Scientific Games vice president of lottery retail solutions Randall Lex commented: “This partnership with Abacus is another example of Scientific Games' commitment to invest in new retail innovation that opens opportunities for lotteries to bring products conveniently to players where they are.

“Our vision for retail innovation includes third-party, secure technology integrations that support lottery revenues with the most advanced technology possible.”

Abacus Solutions head of business in the USA Terry Presta added: “The Abacus and Scientific Games in-lane solution puts lottery products in front of 100 per cent of the store's customers as well as fitting into their existing shopping behavior.

“Working together to offer lotteries many more selling opportunities as well as offering new and innovative ways to play is the future of lottery and this partnership embraces that opportunity.”

Shares in Scientific Games Corporation (NSQ:SGMS) closed up 1.83 per cent at $10.59 per share in New York Thursday.