…as Camelot move irks retailers

Retailers fear that Lottery operator Camelot’s plans to launch up to six Instants scratchcard games at once could confuse shoppers and slow down queues for tickets, further clogging up shops.

Camelot says it will launch four scratchcard games with themes such as sports and heritage, and more games could be added. The games will offer different prizes at different odds.

Each themed game will receive its own TV advertising and promotions. Two new games will be launched at the end of this month.

But John Menzies says the variety of games could be confusing for shoppers and staff, and lead to problems with stocking different cards.

Leading supermarket retailer Tesco says: “At the moment, lottery customers don’t take long buying their tickets. Having different games could lead to more queues as shoppers decide which game to play.”

Newsagent and convenience store chain T&S Stores says it was in two minds about handling the first scratchcard game, though it has been a success. But a spokesman for T&S says of the new scratch game launches: “It will complicate the proposition. There is a fine balance between keeping up interest in the Lottery and confusing people.”