News

Self-service lottery terminals on way to Pennsylvania

May 19, 2004

HARRISBURG, Pa.-The Pennsylvania Lottery is launching self service lottery terminals in areas like sports arenas, resorts, airports and taverns, according to a story in the Wilkes Barre Times-Leader.
 
The 1,000 automatic Player-Activated Terminals, or PAT, offer all of the Pennsylvania Lottery's traditional on-line games, such as Powerball and the daily number, as well as a choice of 16 instant ticket games, according to a memo from the Pennsylvania Lottery to retailers around the state.

"The PAT is designed to supplement conventional Lottery equipment and is not intended to replace existing Integra terminals or store employees," the memo states. "PATs will be positioned in such 'untraditional' locations as sports arenas and stadiums, resorts, bowling alleys, airports, sports bars and taverns, Pennsylvania Turnpike rest stops, micro-breweries, bus terminals and train stations, etc."

Bettye Lou Bovolick, owner of Anthracite News Stand on Public Square, said the automatic machines would be perfect for bus terminals, airports and other locations where lottery games are not readily available.  "Most people in those places are going to buy them last-minute, anyway," Bovolick said.

Pennsylvania Lottery officials will officially unveil the new machines today with 30 machines being installed in June.  After the initial roll out, Lottery official expect to install 100 machines each month until a total of 1,000 are in place statewide.