Lucky us? Self-serve lottery terminals arrive in the Sault

Three automated lottery ticket vending machines have been installed in Sault Ste. Marie in recent weeks, part of a pilot project that will offer customers another option to buy tickets, says an OLG spokesperson.

The Self Service Lottery Terminal (SST) pilot project was announced in February and the new machines have been appearing at approximately 140 retailers across the province, said OLG spokesperson Tony Bitonti in an email.

Most of the machines included in the pilot project have been installed in the Greater Toronto Area and Sault Ste. Marie, says OLG.

In the Sault, the SST machines have so far been installed in three locations: Pino's Get Fresh on Trunk Road, Circle K on McNabb Street and Gateway Casino Sault Ste Marie on Bay Street.

"Once the pilot program is over, more will be installed across the province including in the Sault and area," said Bitonti.

Instant scratch tickets and draw-based tickets, like LOTTO 6/49 and LOTTO MAX, are available in the SST machines. Currently, debit and credit are the only available options for purchasing, with a cash option expected in the future.

The machines are not intended to replace traditional lottery counters, said Bitonti, but will offer customers another way to purchase tickets. Retailers will maintain their standard sales commission on lottery products sold through them.

Customers using the machines will be required to scan their identification to ensure the purchaser is over the age of 18, and tailored responsible gambling messaging is integrated into the interface.

"The SSTs are very customer friendly with clear visual prompts on how to use them, plus the retailers will also be able to help customers during their initial use of the machines," said Bitonti.

The pilot is expected to run until May 2024, with OLG planning to launch additional SSTs throughout the province later in 2024.