VeriFone Debuts Lottery at the Pump

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- With lottery fever in full swing following yesterday's record Powerball drawing, VeriFone Systems Inc. has some lottery news of its own. The company announced today that the first U.S. lottery ticket sale at a fuel pump took place at Grasmie Mart, a convenience store and gas station in Shoreview, Minn., on Nov. 13.

VeriFone and partner Linq3 have implemented "play at the pump" at nine locations in Minneapolis under the auspices of the Minnesota State Lottery. At gas pumps equipped with VeriFone's PAYMEDIA payment solution, consumers can buy quick pick numbers for Powerball and Mega Millions drawings via debit card while filling up their gas tanks.

We believe that play at the pump allows us to easily expand the distribution of lottery products and make the purchase of a ticket more convenient," said Ed Van Petten, executive director of the Minnesota State Lottery. "This delivery method reaches a casual player who may want the convenience of making a lottery purchase while at these locations. It is a means for the Minnesota State Lottery to generate additional revenue for the state and its important beneficiaries. It will also provide additional revenue and media elements to help lottery retailers grow their business."

Before consumers can purchase lottery tickets, PAYMEDIA verifies their age. The media solution also delivers video and audio at the pump, including promotions on lottery jackpots.

Consumers who win a prize under $600 receive the money automatically deposited into the debit card-linked account on file. They can check their lottery purchases on the Internet and can also choose to receive text notifications.

"Many consumers forget to play the lottery or just simply don't have the time to make an extra stop, so VeriFone's media solution makes it easy for them to play," said Jennifer Miles, executive vice president, VeriFone North America.