Retailer Round-Up
October 26, 2026
Protecting Integrity
Thank you for all you do to support our players and help keep Oregon Lottery games secure. I’d like to remind you of two simple practices that make a big difference.
When you pay a winning Video Lottery ticket, please immediately deface the ticket by tearing it or otherwise making it unusable. This helps prevent anyone from attempting to redeem a ticket that has already been paid.
For non-winning Scratch-it tickets, please return them to the player. Some may be eligible for Second Chance drawings, and returning tickets helps avoid confusion if questions come up later.
By following these procedures every time, you help create a better experience for players while protecting the security and integrity of our games.
Featured Retailer
hometown service: Jim’s Market
For 24 years, Mark Ward has built Jim’s Market in Banks on a simple
philosophy: treat customers the way you want to be treated. Great
customer service, promoting jackpot opportunities, keeping
popular games in stock, and encouraging staff to suggest
additional Lottery products have helped make Lottery a successful
part of the business. Mark believes every department matters, and
his team works to maximize every customer interaction while
providing fast, efficient service.
Owner Mark Ward (R) and his son, Trent Ward (L)
Strong community involvement is also key. From supporting local
schools, youth sports, charities, auctions, and community events
throughout the year, Jim’s Market has built lasting relationships.
Whether sponsoring local programs or hosting seasonal gatherings that
bring families together, the store remains a community hub. The
result is a loyal customer base that returns for friendly service, familiar
faces, trusted recommendations, and a welcoming neighborhood
experience.
News and Updates
Seasonal Success
The Oregon Lottery’s 2026 Holiday Scratch-its have arrived, bringing five festive games priced from $2 to $30 and top prizes up to $150,000. Holiday-themed tickets can help drive seasonal sales when displayed prominently and are recommended to interested customers.
Before selling, remember to verify game and pack numbers, scan the packing list barcode, and activate for each pack. Lottery tickets can be a thoughtful gift for adults 18 and older, making them a popular choice for holiday stockings, gift exchanges, and seasonal celebrations. As you help customers find the perfect gift, remember to encourage responsible play and remind customers that Lottery products are only intended for adults 18+.
By promoting responsible gifting and ensuring tickets are properly activated and displayed, retailers can help create a fun, positive holiday experience for players.
Best Practices
Prize Payments
Retailers can now pay prizes by money order. You cannot charge the player a fee for issuing a money order. With this change, you can pay prizes in cash, by check or money order, or any combination of those methods.
This change is to address retailer concerns about having cash on hand. We hope this cashless payment option supports retailers in expanding their prize payment hours. Note: this payment method is completely optional for the retailer. There is no requirement to pay prizes by money order.
Stay Informed
Staying informed is an important part of operating as an Oregon Lottery retailer. Emails from the Lottery often contain important security updates, compliance requirements, policy changes, and operational information that may affect your business.
As a key person, taking a few moments to read these communications can help you and your team stay compliant, protect your location from potential security risks, and avoid unnecessary issues. Reviewing Lottery emails regularly ensures you have the information you need to confidently serve your customers and maintain a successful Lottery partnership.
Quick Reference
Your red Oregon Lottery folder is an important resource designed to help your business stay organized and informed. Inside, you’ll find your Account Manager’s business card, location-specific forms, and helpful Oregon Lottery information sheets that are regularly delivered by your Account Manager.
To get the most value from these materials, please keep the folder in an accessible location where managers and staff can easily reference it when needed. We also encourage you to review its contents with your team so everyone knows where to find important forms and information.
If your folder is misplaced, running low on forms, or needs updating, simply reach out to your Account Manager. We’re happy to provide replacements and ensure you have the tools you need to support your Lottery business.
Hold-Free Play
Oregon Lottery does not support the use of hold signs on Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs). These signs can create confusion among players, lead to disputes over machine availability, and contribute to a poor player experience when used excessively.
Instead of using hold signs, Oregon Lottery encourages players to cash out before taking a break or leaving a machine. Cashing out helps players keep control of their funds and avoids misunderstandings about whether a terminal is available for play.
As a reminder, hold signs do not protect credits or money left on a VLT. Additionally, the Oregon Lottery logo may not be used on hold signs or any retailer-created materials. Promoting cashing out helps create a fair, consistent, and enjoyable experience for all players.
staff support
Help your team stay confident and up to date on everything lottery. The Oregon Lottery offers free on-site training, and we’ll come directly to your location for added convenience.
Whether you’re onboarding new employees or providing a refresher for experienced staff, training covers lottery products, procedures, game features, and best practices. It’s an easy way to strengthen knowledge, improve customer service, and support daily operations. Call Customer Service at 1-800-766-6789 today to schedule your free training session.
Winners Around the State
Every winning ticket has a story, and you, our retail partners, help make those stories possible.
Across communities large and small, retailers provide a welcome place where players purchase tickets, check results, receive prizes and share in the excitement of a potential win.
The winners featured here represent just a sampling of Lottery
prizes and the impact of thousands of daily player interactions at retail locations across the state. Thanks to your continued partnership, winning moments are created every day.
Contract Compliance
As a reminder, under a new rule, the Oregon Lottery has additional options for addressing contract violations based on the level of risk involved.
Most retailers never experience a contract or rule violation. However, when violations occur, the Lottery’s goal is to help retailers achieve compliance whenever possible rather than terminate the contract.
For low- or moderate- risk violations, the Lottery may provide verbal or written guidance or require corrective action. For more serious violations, the Lottery may reduce a retailer’s compensation for one week instead of terminating the contract. This approach gives retailers an opportunity to correct the issue, return to compliance, and continue earning commissions.
Retailer Messages
Now retailers will have an easy way to get updates on the new Video Lottery games via their iLINK. The iLINK terminal will showcase a message with details about any new games and any that will be removed from play.
Retailers can view the message anytime, print it for staff, and keep everyone up to date. By delivering updates directly to the terminal, retailers will receive timely, accurate information about game launches and removals.
Questions?
Contact your Account Manager or our customer service team at 1-800-766-6789
