Retailer Round-Up
January 28, 2026
Moving Forward
As we begin a new year, I’m excited to build upon our work in 2025. Together we raised $887 million for parks, schools, veterans’ services and other important programs. And while retailers collectively earned more than $300 million in commissions, I’d like to say thank you for all you do.
Throughout 2026, you’ll see continued investment to keep our games fresh, including an exciting new draw game slated for fall. We’re also improving the technology that supports retailers including an upgraded network connection and continued modernization of Lottery hardware.
Stay connected through your account manger for updates as they happen.
Noti Pub: Where Cleanliness Meets Customer Care
Dan and Denise have proudly operated the Noti Pub as a Lottery retailer since April 3, 2001, in the small town of Noti, Oregon, just west of Eugene. Their philosophy is simple: keep things clean and welcoming. Video Lottery Terminals are cleaned throughout the evening and again at closing, a routine reinforced during staff onboarding.
For Dan and Denise, a spotless Lottery area isn’t just about appearance, it’s about creating comfort that keeps guests longer and boosts sales. Travelers en route to the coast often stop and stay, thanks to the pub’s old-school customer service, quality food, and happy team. Their advice to fellow retailers? Prioritize people, cleanliness and consistency because great service never goes out of style.
Best Practices
Boost sales and educate customers with express 3
Express 3 is a $10 option that gives players three chances to win with Mega Millions (Multiplier already included in base cost), Powerball (with Power Play) and Megabucks (with Kicker) – all in one quick purchase.
It not just about selling; it’s about helping customers learn more about lottery games and making their experience exciting.
Tips for Engaging Customers
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- Start the Conversation: “For $10, you can play
Megabucks with Kicker, Mega Millions, and Powerball with Power Play all at once!” - Highlight the Value: Three big games, one easy purchase
- Leverage Jackpot Fever: When jackpots are high, excitement is contagious – mention it!
- Start the Conversation: “For $10, you can play
- Use Visual Prompts: Place signage near registers and ticket machines
Ilink: New Validation reports
We’re excited to announce two new reports now available on your iLink Ultra terminal:
Validation Details Report provides a clear breakdown of validated tickets for easy tracking.
Non-validated Details Report helps you quickly identify tickets that have not yet been validated.
These reports are designed to give you easier access to validation information, making day-to-day operations smoother and more efficient. We’re continuously working to improve your experience with the iLink Ultra terminal.
Your feedback helps shape future enhancements, so don’t hesitate to share your ideas and suggestions.
Tax Compliance Requirements
In February 2024, the Oregon Department of Revenue (ODR) and IRS updated how they verify tax compliance for Oregon Lottery retailers. The Lottery no longer collects or submits tax compliance information. Instead, the Retailer will be required to provide a tax compliance verification certificate from ODR and IRS. Compliance with both agencies remains a condition of your Lottery contract (see provision 9.4).
If a background check or business change is required, you’ll be asked to provide a tax compliance certificate and records for the past three years. Questions? Email LotteryRetailContracts@lottery.oregon.gov.
Supporting Safer Play
Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) is observed every March. This campaign works to increase awareness and help people take the first steps toward making a change to their gambling. While the Oregon Lottery is committed to supporting safer play year-round, each March we highlight this important work.
Did you know that here in Oregon, counseling services are available to anyone affected by their own or someone else’s gambling? Anyone can call, chat, or text with a trained gambling counselor and best of all, help is FREE and confidential.
If you or someone you know wants to make a change, visit OPGR.org, download the free EVIVE app, or call 1-877-MY-LIMIT for confidential help.
News and Updates
Penny Shortage
Pennies are becoming harder to get because banks can no longer source them from the Federal Reserve. Please ensure all prize payments meet requirements. If you need to pay a prize that requires pennies, you must comply with your contract by 
doing one of the following:
- Pay the exact amount in cash
- Round up to the nearest $0.05
- Issue a check (or combine cash and check)
New Limits on Bulk Ticket Purchases and Couriers
Bulk ticket purchases are now prohibited. Buying more than 50,000 Scratch-its in one game or over 3% of combinations in a drawing makes tickets ineligible for prizes. This new rule prevents large-scale ticket scandals.
Retailers working with courier services (third-party businesses that buy lottery tickets for customers) must notify Lottery within 14 days of contracting and ensure couriers follow rules, including selling only to customers physically in Oregon.
No Sports Betting Pools
With the Super Bowl approaching in February, the Oregon Lottery reminds retailers that sports betting pools, such as football pools, March Madness brackets, and NASCAR pools, are illegal in Oregon. Participation can expose you and your customers to unlawful gambling charges and may jeopardize your Oregon Lottery Retailer status. Please do not host or take part in these pools to protect your business and remain in good standing.
Weekly EFT Reminder
To avoid insufficient funds for Wednesday EFT/ACH draws, retailers should deposit funds by Monday whenever possible.
Holidays can affect timing. If Monday or Tuesday is a holiday, plan deposits early to ensure your draw processes on time. When a holiday falls on Wednesday, the draw will occur the next business day. Some banks also offer overdraft protection as a service. Check with your financial institution if that is something you would like to pursue. Always check your lottery calendar and plan ahead.
Honoring Teachers
Meet the 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year, Sally Golden, Special Education teacher from Springfield. She was awarded $10,000 for the honor. The Oregon Lottery once again partnered with the Oregon Department of Education to honor 16 incredible teachers who inspire and lead, through the Oregon Teacher of the Year program. From every corner of the state, Lottery staff awarded each teacher $1,000. See more winners at OregonTeacherOfTheYear.org.
Questions?
Contact your Account Manager or our customer service team at 1-800-766-6789
