The Best Lottery POS Systems

When it comes to managing lottery sales effectively, choosing the right Point of Sale (POS) system is crucial. For gas stations and convenience stores, POS systems serve as the backbone for handling transactions, tracking inventory, and ensuring compliance with state lottery regulations. Below are some of the top POS systems we will discuss, along with links to their websites:

• Verifone (Website)
• Gilbarco (Website)
• NCR Radiant (Website)
• NRS Petro (Website)
• Clover (Website)
• SmartPOS (Website)

Let’s explore these systems and their features, starting with those commonly used at gas stations.

‍

POS Systems for Gas Stations

Gas stations have unique requirements when it comes to POS systems. They often rely on legacy systems like Verifone, Gilbarco, and NCR Radiant because of their seamless integration with fuel pump hardware. These systems, though expensive, are widely trusted in the industry due to their reliability and robust technician support network. Additionally, they offer a broad range of integrations with back-office systems such as PDI, Petrosoft, and SSCS, as well as loyalty programs like Kickback Rewards.

‍

If you operate a branded gas station (e.g., Chevron, Shell), you’re often required to use systems like Gilbarco, Verifone, or NCR Radiant. Among these, Gilbarco is the best choice if your pumps are Gilbarco, as its integration with pump hardware is unmatched. Otherwise, Verifone is the recommended option due to its reliability and extensive support network.

For unbranded gas stations or non-fuel retailers, NRS Petro stands out as the best option. It offers native integration with LottoShield, supports all recommended features, and is cost-effective compared to legacy systems.

‍

Attributes That Make a POS System Great for Selling Lottery

A high-performing POS system for lottery sales should offer the following attributes:

1. Native Support for Payouts: All the POS systems mentioned—Verifone, Gilbarco, NCR Radiant, and NRS—have payout functionality, allowing stores to track cash paid to lottery winners. However, Clover does not have native support for this feature. SmartPOS, another POS designed for liquor stores, includes payout functionality as well.
2. Pricebook Management: A robust POS system should allow you to add items for every scratch-off game. This feature is supported in all the mentioned POS systems. Additionally, systems like Gilbarco, Verifone, and NRS integrate with LottoShield to automatically add new games to the pricebook. This saves considerable time, especially since state lotteries launch new games roughly every 8 days. Having every game in the pricebook enables scanning at the point of sale, enhancing inventory tracking and preventing theft. For NCR Radiant systems, LottoShield can add games automatically if PDI is used as the back-office solution.
3. Age Verification at the Department Level: Built-in age verification ensures that all lottery products require age validation based on local laws. This feature is essential to maintaining compliance and reducing the risk of violations. NRS Petro, Gilbarco, and Verifone include this functionality, allowing stores to enforce age restrictions automatically at the department level.
4. LottoShield Support: Systems like Gilbarco, Verifone, and NCR Radiant support LottoShield, though a back-office computer is required for integration, which most stores already have. NRS Petro is currently the only POS that offers native integration with LottoShield, eliminating the need for a back-office computer—a significant convenience. While SmartPOS lacks native LottoShield integration, stores using Petrosoft with an API access plan can integrate LottoShield with their system.

Features of NRS Petro

NRS Petro is designed to address the specific challenges faced by gas stations, especially in upgrading for EMV compliance and streamlining operations. Some of its standout features include:

• Cloud-Based Accessibility: NRS Petro allows you to access reports and manage operations from anywhere, providing convenience and flexibility.
• Pump Integration: Connects seamlessly with existing gas pump hardware, eliminating the need for costly renovations.
• EMV Compliance: Enhances security and reduces fraud by integrating advanced EMV card readers.
• Cost Efficiency: While legacy gas station POS systems cost thousands of dollars, NRS Petro offers options starting at just $599, making it one of the most affordable solutions on the market.
• Robust Software: Offers capabilities such as inventory tracking, loyalty, pricebook management, age verification, and tobacco scan data integration.

Conclusion

Choosing the best POS system for lottery sales depends on your business type and specific needs. If you operate a branded gas station with Gilbarco pumps, Gilbarco is likely your best option due to its seamless pump integration. For other branded stations, Verifone is a reliable choice. For unbranded gas stations or non-fuel retailers, NRS Petro is the standout option, thanks to its native LottoShield integration, robust features, and affordability. By selecting the right system and implementing best practices, lottery retailers can enhance efficiency, reduce losses, and maximize revenue.

‍