Scientific Games Expands SCiQ Technology Across North Carolina Lottery Retailers

Scientific Games is expanding the deployment of its SCiQ retail technology across the North Carolina Education Lottery (NCEL) network following sales growth at participating retailers.

The technology will ultimately be installed at 2,000 NCEL retail locations across North Carolina, building on an initial deployment that began in April 2025. Scientific Games has since used the system to support data-driven retail optimisation and improve the management of Scratch-Off products.

The latest expansion follows deployments at 7-Eleven and Circle K convenience stores alongside Kroger and Harris Teeter supermarkets, where the lottery has reported increased Scratch-Off sales.

Harris Teeter Stores Record 23.5% Sales Increase

As of early August, NCEL Scratch-Off sales at Harris Teeter locations using SCiQ were an average of 23.5% higher, providing further support for the wider rollout.

SCiQ uses real-time data and analytics to help retailers manage instant lottery products while providing lotteries with information on sales performance and inventory. The technology is also designed to improve the security of Scratch-Off games at retail locations.

Mark Michalko, CEO and Executive Director of the North Carolina Education Lottery, said:

“Our goal is to responsibly increase contributions to education in North Carolina, and part of that plan is to enhance Scratch-Off games security and sales across our retail network.

“Installing SCiQ at key retailers delivered meaningful sales increases at participating retailers, with some stores seeing significant jumps.”

NCEL's Scratch-Off portfolio generated more than $2.84 billion in retail sales during the 2025 fiscal year.

Scientific Games Targets Retail Optimisation

Michael Martin, Vice President of Retail Solutions at Scientific Games, said the technology connects lotteries, retailers and players while providing operators with store-level information and analytical insights.

“SCiQ optimizes how scratch-off games are managed and sold in retail stores by connecting lotteries, retailers and players via real-time data and updates,” Martin said.

“The system improves operational management for retailers with store-level data and strategic analytics insights for lotteries – driving higher sales and, ultimately, increased funding for lottery good cause programs.”

The expansion builds on Scientific Games' existing relationship with the North Carolina Education Lottery. In addition to supplying SCiQ, the company provides NCEL with instant games and manages the portfolio through its Scientific Games Enhanced Partnership programme from operations near Raleigh.

With the planned rollout to 2,000 retailers, Scientific Games will significantly increase the presence of SCiQ across the state's lottery network as NCEL looks to use retail technology and sales data to increase returns for education programmes.