News writer
There's a new look coming to in-store scratch-off experiences in South Carolina.
The state is one of several to adopt new technology from the company Scientific Games. It promises to streamline reporting and supply of scratch-off purchases, while providing a user-friendly display for retailers.
What is the technology?
The program, called SCiQ, was developed by popular gaming technology company Scientific Games.
It features real-time sales performance reports, backend inventory management to prevent out-of-stock, and a digital display with clear lists of available games, which will change the player's ordering experience.
Additionally, SCiQ automatically dispenses tickets through locked bins, preventing theft.
South Carolina Educational Lottery (SCEL) has worked with Scientific Games on various projects since 2002, including its first scratch-off game.
Dolly Garfield, South Carolina Education Lottery Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement:
We're embarking upon our first retail modernization initiative with a trusted partner in Scientific Games. Our teams understand that retail has evolved considerably over the past decade, and we know it's important to our players that SCEL scratch-offs are accessible and easy to purchase. SCiQ will also simplify operations for our retailers, offering efficiencies that increase the value of selling our games in their stores.
The new norm
South Carolina is just the latest notch in Scientific Games' belt.
SCiQ is quickly upgrading state scratch-off games across the country. North Carolina recently adopted the technology on the tails of more than a dozen U.S. states including Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, and Texas.
Scientific Games says it's the largest lottery game company in the world, operating in 50 countries worldwide. Michael Martin, VP of Retail Solutions for the company, stated:
We are honored to partner with the South Carolina Education Lottery on many exciting firsts since its inception. SCEL leadership has always demonstrated a great vision for how to drive performance and profitability for its scratch-off games, and SCiQ technology is the next step in ensuring continued success.
Scientific Games claims that the SCiQ facelift has been proven to boost sales in other areas.
South Carolina scratch-offs
The state's instant games raked in more than $1.6 billion in retail sales in 2024, with proceeds benefiting education programs in the state. It's the number 3 top-performing instant game lottery, ranking behind two Massachusetts lottery entities. There are over 40 scratch-off games available in South Carolina.
In-store only
Despite its success, SCEL has a good reason to boost its in-store experiences.
SCEL doesn't offer online lottery play. There are no online sales through the state, and lottery courier sites - which are third party, private digital platforms that purchase tickets on a player's behalf - are expressly prohibited. South Carolina players must go to brick-and-mortar stores to buy any lottery ticket, including scratch-offs.
While many other states are also holding firm with strictly in-person purchases, such as Indiana, others have launched government-sponsored iLottery sites, like North Carolina and Georgia, allowing players to buy tickets and choose numbers from their devices. Others have allowed lottery couriers into their states, sometimes controversially.
Improving the in-person experience with a digital display and a buoyed supply is a logical move for the states that are staying traditional.
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