Scientific Games Expands SCiQ Tech to Boost Retail Lottery Sales Across North Carolina
Scientific Games and the North Carolina Education Lottery are teaming up to transform the retail lottery landscape across North Carolina through the implementation of SCiQ technology. This partnership aims to optimize sales and enhance security for Scratch-Off games, following real-time data-driven methodologies. The significant increase in lottery sales marks a promising trend for the state's education funding, as noted by Mark Michalko, the CEO of the North Carolina Education Lottery.
Beginning with the deployment of SCiQ systems at key retailers like 7-Eleven, Circle K, Kroger, and Harris Teeter, the initiative has led to an impressive 23.5% increase in Scratch-Off sales at participating stores by early August this year. This technology-driven strategy not only bolsters sales but also fortifies educational contributions within North Carolina, a primary objective for both Scientific Games and the Lottery.
SCiQ acts as an integrated retail ecosystem, optimizing the management and sales processes for lottery products. By linking retailers, lotteries, and players through real-time data, SCiQ enables immediate insights into store performance and market dynamics. Michael Martin, VP of Retail Solutions for Scientific Games, emphasizes how SCiQ streamlines operations for retailers by providing actionable analytics that drive sales. The seamless integration of this system allows retailers to display products via digital menu boards and receive personalized reports on sales performance, equipping them with the tools needed for effective inventory management.
At its core, SCiQ enhances security measures by utilizing secure ticket bins that automatically track ticket status, minimizing the risk of theft. With such innovations, Scientific Games is ensuring a safe and efficient retail environment for lottery operations, monumental in a landscape where security is paramount.
In the fiscal year 2025, the North Carolina Education Lottery generated over $2.84 billion in retail sales from Scratch-Off games alone, ranking it among the top instant game lotteries globally. Its strategic partnership with Scientific Games has solidified its market position, making it the fifth-ranked lottery in the U.S. for weekly per capita Scratch-Off game sales.
As the technology expands to a total of 2,000 retailers throughout the state, the collaboration between Scientific Games and the North Carolina Education Lottery highlights the potential of data-driven operations in boosting retail performance. By continuously refining the product and sales mechanisms to meet consumer demand and enhance user experience, both organizations are set to redefine the retail lottery sector in North Carolina.
This expansion is also indicative of a broader trend seen in the lottery industry, where the combination of tradition and technology drives growth. With more than 150 lotteries in 50 countries served by Scientific Games, its leadership in the sector is undisputed; it is recognized as the world’s largest lottery games provider and a rapid innovator in lottery systems technology across North America.
Through innovations like SCiQ, Scientific Games not only vows to heighten sales but also contributes to the positive social impact of lotteries, targeting support for education and community projects. As the partnership grows, continuous improvements and adaptations are expected, ensuring that North Carolina's lottery is not just profitable, but also serves the greater good effectively.