Allwyn has promised retailers will get a new scratchcard dispenser that’s ‘right for them and their store’ following concerns over larger units being installed.

The National Lottery operator is currently rolling out the new equipment across its 43,500-strong retail estate, with visits sent to ‘conclude’ in early July.

Despite the major investment in store equipment by Allwyn, some shop owners reported frustration after being left with larger dispensers. “Allwyn’s engineer came, emptied the current unit and came in with a new 20 window dispenser. We had requested a smaller one, but we’ve not seen him back. That was six weeks ago,” said one shop owner.

When asked about the upgrades, an Allwyn spokesperson said that only 6% of stores have received a dispenser with more windows, and all new dispensers take up the same amount of counter space as the equivalent unit they are replacing. “We recognise that counter space is always at a premium for our retail partners,” stated the spokesperson.

Allwyn may review scratchcard limits after retailer feedback

Describing how the size of the replacement dispenser is decided, Allwyn explained: “This selection is made through review process, which looks at current and projected sales data, as well as visits conducted via our retail team.”

The spokesperson said that during these visits ‘they’ll be discussing any proposed size change with the retailer, ensuring that it is right for them and the store.’

Only ‘higher-selling’ sites are eligible for dispensers with more windows, which increase in increments of four.

Allwyn told Better Retailing: “Our objective is absolutely not for players to buy more Scratchcards individually, but to give retailers a varied, diverse range of Scratchcards that’s right for them – to help them drive their sales by getting more of their customers to perhaps try a Scratchcard. By having more games available, this would also mean that stock wouldn’t have to be replenished as frequently.”

Read more National Lottery news