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Automated Lottery Machines Return to Connecticut Gambling
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT --
Vending machines dispensing lottery tickets are making a return to the Connecticut gaming scene. After removing the machines ten years ago due to complaints of potential abuse by minors, the Connecticut Lottery Corporation is installing a test number of gaming machines in stores.
The number of automated vendors will be limited while lottery officials examine the effectiveness and results, lottery CEO Ann Noble told the Hartford Business Journal. Noble said studies had shown the machines could create expanding ticket sales to generate new state revenue.
As to charges the machines endanger youth, Noble said technology improvements include a feature shutting down the machine when an employee observes minors around the game dispenser. Other machines have bar code scanners that read driver's license information.
“Many lotteries are beginning to deploy that kind of technology to prevent underage play and are also coupling that with putting it in sight of the retailer,” said Bob Vincent, GTech vice president of corporate communications.
Lotteries in both Florida and Michigan saw significant jumps in scratch-off sales when vending machines were employed.
Leaders of programs treating problem gambling say the move is being made only for money, and that conditions haven't changed regarding the dangers of the machines.
“You see throughout the day [the employees] are preoccupied. They’re not looking at whether or not kids are approaching the machines,” said Marvin Steinberg, executive director of the Connecticut Council for Problem Gambling. “It clearly creates a risk for minors.”
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