Allwyn deploys new kit into stores as it ramps up retail investment

New National Lottery branded kit has started hitting stores as part of a trial by operator Allwyn. It includes an illuminated scratchcard dispenser and a new double-sided Playstation.

A select number of stores received the permanent point of sale (PPOS) over the last few weeks in preparation for wider distribution. The suite of kit includes an illuminated scratchcard dispenser with integrated lighting and 15.6-inch HD screen, and a new Playstation with double-sided graphics and a wing to display key information.

A new external wall sign and a double-sided pavement sign is also available, featuring a ‘call to action’ to play in store, as well as a refreshed window poster frame. It’s expected that in most cases these items will be swapped out on a like-for-like basis with a store’s existing kit – but larger or additional assets may be offered in certain circumstances.

Rollout

Allwyn expects 40 kits to be deployed to stores by the end of May, with another 10,000 outlets later in the year. Its full estate will then receive the equipment throughout Autumn and into 2025.

The first retailer to have the kit installed is Raj Kularajah (pictured), owner of Twinsco store in St Albans. He said the features have brought in new lottery customers.

“I was delighted to be selected as the first independent store to have the new PPOS installed, and to be able to provide feedback on the equipment to help with the wider rollout,” he said. “After it was first installed, two of my regular customers who had never played the lottery before saw the new kit and decided to play EuroMillions, which is absolutely excellent.

“I’m really impressed with the kit overall, particularly the new Playstation wing which can be fitted to either side of the stand depending on how the store is laid out and what space is available. But my favourite piece is the new scratchcard dispenser which really brings to life and illuminates the individual games. Its bigger windows also make it easier to load with cards.”

Accessibility

Allwyn worked with accessibility partner Purple to ensure the new elements are disability-friendly and green. The kit is ‘carbon-efficient’ due to its light weight and contains elements of recycled and recyclable materials.

Allwyn’s director of channel operations Alex Green said: “We’re hugely excited that National Lottery retailers are starting to get their hands on this brilliant new kit as part of our ‘test and learn’ trial deployment. As well as looking fantastic, the new PPOS has been designed to high standards of accessibility and sustainability – demonstrating The National Lottery’s commitment to delivering wider societal benefits. We know retailers will be keen to get the kit as soon as possible, but it’s important we trial it first and use our findings to inform a more substantial phased rollout across our 40,000-strong estate. This will help us get the deployment absolutely right for our retail partners.

“The project to equip retailers with the very best National Lottery PPOS also represents the next stage of our investment in retail and signals our commitment to the channel as a whole, with retail being central to our vision to grow The National Lottery responsibly over the next 10 years. But equipping stores with the latest innovative kit is just one element of a much bigger overall project to build a more modern in-store environment. As part of this, we’ll also be delivering an enhanced Vodafone network solution for our retail partners from this spring, and installing new software from the summer onwards ahead of us starting to roll out new state-of-the-art terminals towards the end of the year.”