How to prevent lottery scratcher theft
Is lottery scratcher theft prevention also about transparency
Every fiscal year the California Lotter publishes a report called the caLottery Popular Annual Financial Report. The Popular Annual publication for the fiscal year of 2021-2022 California had more than $6.8 billion in Scratcher sales. This accounts for 77.15% of the $8.85 billion in total Lotto sales in California.
Understanding these numbers puts into perspective how theft can impact a single store. Lottery theft or any kind of theft is never wanted from any business. This is a topic that must be addressed and discussed. The theft may not be completely blocked, but steps can be taken to reduce or prevent it. Being transparent with your record, making your team accountable, using a POS with inventory management are all ways to reduce the possibility of theft.
As a retailer myself here are a few steps I take to reduce and hopefully prevent lottery theft:
Every opening shift must log the scratcher game and pack number with the game ticket number. The closing shift upon arrival of their shift my double check the game and pack number to verify it matches the opening shift. At the end of the night prior to closing the closing shift logs the closing game ticket number. This process is repeated the next day.
Use a POS with a dedicated department for Lottery Scratcher games and accurately labeled with the UPC. Each UPC can be labeled using the game name, dollar amount + game name, game name + game number or any combination that best fits your record keeping style. Next you will need to ensure your team scans each UPC to accurately record each sale in your POS. You will then be able to use these sales numbers against your log. This is where the Lottery Scratcher Log is a great tool.
Investigate and communicate theft or any discrepancies immediately. Communication can be the greatest deterrent. With you team knowing you are paying attention and keeping track of the log and sales show the team you are actively monitoring sales. Having a log that aids you in this process can help in reducing workload.
Compare your backstock inventory with your open games being sold. Cross reference information on your state lottery portal with active, inactive and sold games. Actively verify that game packs not yet activated are still present.