Scratchcard checkout trial concerns

The regulator of the National Lottery said it had no role in sanctioning a controversial pilot scheme to extend the sale of scratchcards to all checkouts in large supermarkets.

Concern has been voiced by a group supporting people with a gambling addiction about the greater prominence given to scratch card dispensers — which contain up to 19 different games — by placing them in each checkout aisle.

Opposition politicians also expressed reservations about a pilot programme under way in some Tesco, Dunnes Stores, and SuperValu outlets. The National Lottery has placed the large scratchcard display containers with high visibility electronic signs in 14 supermarkets around the country. The cost of scratch card games ranges from €1 to €20.