Lottery modifies software after complaints from retailers

The National Lottery operator has modified the software on its new ticket terminals following complaints from retailers.

The franchise also said it would take a further six weeks to enable the in-store ticket checkers to interface with the new terminals.

Currently, the ticket checkers only work for lotto tickets purchased under the former system which was replaced in early December as part of an agreed systems upgrade.This has placed an extra burden on retail staff, causing delays at peak times.

The new technology underpinning the State’s largest gaming has been the source of controversy since its instalment late last year.

Retailers say technical glitches with the new ticket terminals, supplied by Greek gaming firm Intralot, has disrupted trade.

In particular, they complain the camera in the machines, which is used to scan tickets, is prone to freezing, forcing retail staff to reboot the ticket terminals.

Operator Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI) acknowledged it had identified delays in response times on some terminals but has since installed a modification to the software to address the problem.

“We are currently handling over half a million retail transactions per day. We are aware of some very minor functionality issues and we have developed a software update resolving this,” a spokesman said.

‘Rigorous testing’

The group, which took over the running of the National Lottery in November, insisted the new technology had been “subject to a rigorous testing process in line with international best practice and industry standards.”

“We will continue to work with agents to assist them in getting used to the new technology,” the spokesman added.

The franchise is expected to take until mid-to-late March to interface all ticket checkers in shops with its new network of 3,700 ticket terminals. However, it insisted this had been flagged to retailers in advance.

Following reports of problems with the new system, Irish Times readers contacted the newspaper complaining of problems with the lotto's newly revamped digital channel.

One reader said he was no longer getting email confirmations of his purchases. He also said he had received an email telling him he had won a prize when he had not, but got no email when he had won prizes on other occasions.