Couldnt a lotto retailer simply scan lotto instant win games they have on the rack to see if they are winners?

Question

I noticed after turning in a winning NY lotto instant win scratch off game ticket (what a mouthful) that all the retailer had to do to verify a win was scan the bar code on the back of the ticket. It made me wonder if they could just scan all the unplayed tickets they have on the roll to see if those are winners. Of course there must be legal rights against the retailer from doing this, but they could simply have their friends buy the winning tickets. I was hoping someone else out there thought about the same thing and may have answers.... thanks in advance!

Answer 1

In Minnesota there is a code that must be entered to claim the prize. The code is under the scratch off part. What you are wondering about is impossible here in MN.

Answer 2

Instant win games are run by the states and what is true for one state may not be true for others, but I am sure every state has countermeasures for the type of fraud you suggested.

For example I think most, if not all, states require that as well as scanning the bar code the clerk must enter a code that is not visable until the ticket has been played. If the bar code and the code the clerk enters do not match, the terminal would not say if the ticket was winner or not.

Answer 3

I live in Florida, but I'm sure all states have a similar practice in that regard. There is a serial number that is covered with the play area. In that serial number is a pin number embedded there. The pin number would need to be scratched off to scan and determine a winner or loser. I work at a lottery retailer, and there's lots of folks that have been fired and arrested for trying to cheat the lottery.

Answer 4

the amount the would win off the tickets would not be worth the amount of tickets that they are scanning and then throwing away, unless of course they get a big winner, but i'm sure there is something in there about being a retailer and playing ( like referee's betting on games, or people that work or have family at McDonalds winning the monopoly game)