Michigan Lottery
changes
retailer
cancellation policy
by Commissioner Gary Peters
For many years Michigan Lottery retailers have had the
capability to cancel Daily and Keno tickets. However, because the number
of cancellations has risen sharply, the Lottery is implementing new
policies that we expect will protect the interests of both retailers
and the Lottery.
Let me preface this explanation by noting that these
changes are not intended as any sort of penalty, as less than 10 percent
of Lottery retailers are over the cancel limit. But we all know that
ticket cancellations can be problematic and inconvenient, and the new
policies should streamline efforts to concentrate on selling tickets
and earning a commission.
We do not anticipate that the procedures will in any
way be difficult for retailers to administer and follow, and district
sales reps will be happy to assist should difficulties be encountered.
And as a business, the Lottery must operate efficiently and continue
to meet its goal of maximizing revenue for the state School Aid Fund.
All Lottery retailers were notified of the changes via
a letter sent in February, and I do not believe that most will be affected.
However, a few minutes of review and instructions with employees will
go a long way in keeping cancellations below the acceptable limit. Some
suggestions:
• Use the cancel key for Daily games only when a player
refuses to accept a ticket issued in error. Keno tickets can no longer
be cancelled.
• Encourage players to use bet slips, which can prevent errors.
• Train employees in operating the terminal and inform them of
the importance of understanding the player’s request before printing
the tickets. Proper operation and understanding can further reduce the
number of errors.
• Do not give canceled tickets back to players. Deface them by
drawing a black line through the barcode and then dispose of them.
Canceled tickets presented for prize claims will be
researched and retailers will be held responsible for payment of prize
claims if proper canceled-ticket procedures are not followed.
Retailers over the limit will have their cancel abilities
shut off for four weeks. This will be based on the number of tickets
canceled over the previous two weeks in relation to total tickets sold,
not on the dollar value of those tickets.
Again, because we realize this is a change for retailers,
Lottery District Sales Reps will be available to assist with questions.
Don’t hesitate to call with questions or concerns about the new
procedures.
March promotion: March 7 is the kickoff date
for the Fantasy 5 Big Screen Bonanza. During each week of the three-week
promotion, 10 home theater systems, which include 50-inch plasma-screen
TVs and DVD players, will be given away.
 For every $3 ticket purchase, players will receive an
entry form for three drawings. Entries can be submitted by mail at the
address on the form, at a Lottery regional office or through the Lottery’s
Website at Michigan.gov/lottery.
New instants
The following instant tickets will go on sale in March:
• $5 Hold ‘Em Poker (top prize of $300,000; second chance
drawings for World Poker Tour merchandise and trips to Las Vegas)
• $2 Super Slots ($30,000)
• $1 Whole Lotta $50s (top prize $500;
over 10,000 prizes of $50)
• $3 Match Game ($50,000)
• $1 Instant Daily 3 ($3,000)
• $10 Bonus Millions ($1 million)
|
