OREGON LOTTERY OFFERS TIPS FOR SAFE PLAY

Training the Secret to Safe Lottery Play players out to manipulate someone with less experience. For instance, if a video slip isn’t validated correctly, a player may offer a slip that’s already been paid out in order to be paid a second time.

“Some people will try to make new staff uncomfortable,” he said. “People will take advantage, and it’s more common when there are new restaurant staff people.”

Elizabeth Ehlers, Oregon Lottery’s retail supervisor for Marion and Clackamas counties, says Lottery retailers should ask for payment up front before handing a player tickets.

“We’ve had a tactic used where the player will say they forgot something in the car or they left their wallet outside and they take off with tickets they didn’t pay for,” she explained.

Crime prevention

Retailers can also take proactive measures to deter crime by assessing their environment.

Oregon State Police Captain Tim Fox recommends retailers install security cameras and enhance lighting at entrances and exits.

“Often the areas where VLTs are located are dimly lit and employees don’t have visibility on activity in the gaming area,” he said. “Consider adding better lighting in these areas to make it safer for staff and players.”

As much as bartenders or staff may want to celebrate big wins with players, it can also draw unwanted attention. Fox said it’s best to not advertise how much a player has won, especially when a cash payout is involved.

Conduct regular cleanings

While the intensity of the pandemic may be behind us, retailers shouldn’t drop their guard on cleaning protocols. To protect staff and players, it’s recommended VLTs are cleaned more than once throughout the day, as players change over.

“Even when we were seeing COVID widespread in our communities, cleaning is something I had to constantly remind our business about,” Linkel said. “Think about training your employees on the importance of cleaning when they are hired, so it’s an expectation from the start.”

Because Lottery equipment contains delicate electronics, businesses should follow the proper steps to avoid damaging them. For VLT touch screens, first place the machine in “Out of Service” mode, then proceed with the following:

• Dampen a cloth with an approved cleaning solution/disinfectant or wipe (isopropyl alcohol with no more than 70 percent alcohol or Clorox wipes are acceptable). Do not spray directly on the touch screen.

• Gently wipe down the entire touchscreen.

• Allow a few minutes for the cleaning/ disinfectant to saturate and work.

• Allow it to dry and remove any streaks with a non- abrasive cloth.

Abrasive cleaners, household bleach, and Formula 409 should not be used on VLTs.