Ohio Lottery Begins Major Technology Upgrade with Scientific Games
United States.- 14 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com The Ohio Lottery has announced the beginning of a major technology modernisation programme in partnership with Scientific Games, involving the replacement of its central gaming system and thousands of retail terminals and self-service devices across the state.
The initiative represents the lottery’s first major gaming system upgrade in approximately two decades and aims to improve the player experience, simplify retailer operations and strengthen distribution efficiency.
The new gaming system is scheduled to become operational in spring 2027, while equipment installation will begin progressively in October 2026.
More Than 21,000 Devices to Be Replaced
The project involves a comprehensive transformation of the infrastructure used by Ohio Lottery retailers.
Once the rollout is completed, the organisation will have replaced:
- More than 12,000 retailer-operated terminals.
- More than 9,000 self-service devices.
- Ticket-checking equipment.
- Cashless payment terminals.
- Digital advertising and promotional displays.
The investment will introduce modern technology throughout the lottery’s statewide retail network.
New WAVE Terminals and PlayCentral Kiosks
Scientific Games will supply equipment designed to improve both retail operations and customer convenience.
The main products include WAVE point-of-sale terminals and PlayCentral self-service kiosks.
The new technology will introduce features including:
- Touchscreens designed to meet ADA accessibility requirements.
- Streamlined purchasing processes.
- More flexible payment options.
- Improved integration with digital content.
- Enhanced visual experiences for games such as KENO.
The objective is to simplify transactions and provide customers with greater convenience when purchasing lottery products.
First Phase Begins in October 2026
The rollout will begin in October 2026 with the installation of new self-service kiosks and retailer terminals.
However, implementation will take place in stages to ensure business continuity.
Until the new central gaming system becomes operational, most newly installed PlayCentral kiosks will sell Scratch-Off tickets only and accept cash payments exclusively.
Customers will continue to be able to purchase all existing lottery products at retail counters using their current payment options.
Existing and New Systems to Operate During Transition
One of the project’s main challenges will be maintaining retail operations while replacing the underlying technology infrastructure.
To achieve this, the Ohio Lottery and Scientific Games will establish a transition period during which the existing and new gaming systems will temporarily operate alongside one another.
Technicians will install and prepare new equipment while retailers continue using their existing terminals.
This approach aims to minimise disruption and ensure customers retain access to regular lottery products throughout the conversion.
Statements From Michelle Gillcrist
Michelle Gillcrist, Director of the Ohio Lottery, highlighted the substantial technological developments since the lottery’s last major system conversion in 2008.
She explained that the upgrade will deliver a more efficient experience for customers and the retail network.
Gillcrist acknowledged that minor disruptions may occur during implementation because of the project’s technical complexity.
However, she expressed confidence in the planning undertaken with Scientific Games and the long-term benefits of the new infrastructure.
Technology Contract Awarded in 2024
Development of the upgrade began in 2024, when Scientific Games secured the contract to provide Ohio Lottery’s new gaming system following a competitive procurement process.
The supplier was selected to replace the central infrastructure and provide equipment throughout the retail network.
The agreement includes technologies such as:
- AEGIS: central gaming system.
- Momentum: Scientific Games’ technology ecosystem.
- Infuse: business intelligence and data analytics solution.
- WAVE: retail point-of-sale terminals.
- PlayCentral: self-service lottery kiosks.
These technologies are intended to improve operational management and strengthen the lottery’s distribution capabilities.
Scientific Games to Take Over in 2027
As part of the transition, Scientific Games will become the Ohio Lottery’s gaming system provider in spring 2027.
Until then, the existing infrastructure will remain operational to ensure the continued sale of lottery products.
The complete implementation will take several months and include technical assistance and retailer training.
Some self-service kiosks will continue to be replaced through summer 2027, following the launch of the new central system.
Retailer Training and Financial Incentives
The Ohio Lottery has also developed a preparation programme to help retailers adapt to the new technology.
Retail employees will receive training covering the operation of the new terminals and gaming system.
Additional financial incentives will be available to retailers introducing the replacement equipment during the transition.
The programme provides weekly credits of:
- US$25 for each installed WAVE terminal.
- US$100 for each installed PlayCentral kiosk.
These incentives will apply from the installation of the equipment until the new central system goes live.
Supporting Education Funding in Ohio
Profits generated by the Ohio Lottery contribute to the funding of educational programmes throughout the state.
These resources support primary and secondary education, vocational training and special education initiatives.
The technology upgrade is therefore also intended to strengthen the sustainability of operations supporting Ohio’s education system.
Gillcrist emphasised that the new infrastructure will help maintain the lottery’s contribution to educational funding.
Next Steps and Impact
The Ohio Lottery’s modernisation programme represents one of its most significant technology projects in recent history.
Replacing more than 21,000 retail terminals and self-service devices, together with the introduction of a new central gaming system, will renew infrastructure that has not undergone an upgrade of this scale for approximately two decades.
The first phase begins in October 2026, with the new gaming system scheduled to launch in spring 2027, although some equipment installations will continue into the summer.
For Scientific Games, the project further strengthens its commercial relationship with one of the United States’ major state lotteries.
The initiative also demonstrates the growing importance of technology, accessibility and operational efficiency in the modernisation of lottery systems.
Editó: @fonta
