With higher price points and payouts, interest in instant games has never been higher for players. Unfortunately, it also draws the attention of thieves. With crime rates rising across the United States, many lotteries are experiencing a higher rate of theft at the point of sale. Retailers who are often not indemnified are demanding solutions.
Take-A-Ticket has developed three different custom-fit solutions to help lotteries deal with this issue. “We are working hard to mitigate the threat to on-counter dispensers,” said Seth Tigner, President, Take-A-Ticket. “We developed a security bracket for the California Lottery that goes over the dispenser and is bolted to the counter. We use powder-coated aluminum, and we can print the lottery’s logo on the bracket, so it is a security feature and branding device. We can customize a solution for all on-counter dispensers.”
Many retailers struggle with “reach-over” thefts; when the clerk is distracted, the thief reaches over the counter to grab a ticket. Take-A-Ticket’s solution is a retrofitted kit for their ICM dispensers. “We had a recent conversation with the Minnesota Lottery about security issues. We’ve developed a locking cover that is a quick and easy way to lock and secure the existing in-counter dispenser.”
Take-A-Ticket has also developed a series of lighted menu boards that puts the tickets entirely out of reach. A lighted sign board shows all the tickets in an attractive, eye-catching format, allowing retailers to store the live tickets in a remote, secure location. “One of the safest things to do is use static, high-impact displays on the counter. The lotteries and retailers more and more are saying get the live tickets off the counter. It is too susceptible to theft and robbery,” said Tigner.
Tigner and his team work collaboratively with lotteries and their retailers to solve unique challenges. “Many of these security innovations have come about through trial and error,” said Tigner. “Working the materials to make it attractive and secure required working closely with the lotteries and retailers. One lottery suggested using a mobile lock instead of a carabiner. That way, the clerk cannot lose it. When it gets into the stores, that is when we get meaningful feedback.”