California Lottery Scratch-Offs in Scarcity

Photo:
Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

Various Los Angeles merchants have claimed that California Lottery Scratch-Offs have been in short supply for several weeks in its establishments, which has meant a loss of revenue for the state and stores.

In a statement from the California lottery, the agency states that: "To maximize the health and safety of their work team, they are carrying out strict protocols in distribution centers, which has led to a delay in distribution."

SCRATCHERS UPDATE: To maximize the health & safety of our team & the public #calottery is following strict social distancing protocols at our distribution centers. We continue to ship #Scratchers to our retailers but there's a delay in fulfilling orders. Thanks for your patience. pic.twitter.com/WSEDgxDpM5

– California Lottery (@calottery) June 20, 2020

According to the statement the delay could be between four and five weeks. Traders interviewed by ABC say they have been without a scratch for almost a month.

"We haven't had any for a month. That is the business here. Since we sell many, we have many winners and that is why we are waiting for them to reach us", he claimed Ronald maren, employee of a liquor store in Hawthorne, California.

Two other merchants in the area of Sherman Oaks They also claimed not to have scratched for at least three weeks.

Information released by ABC, ensures that the distribution center of Rancho Cucamonga closed last Thursday to carry out a disinfection of the place after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.

75% of California Lottery sales come through these games that have 57 different versions, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores. Part of the money raised from the lottery goes to the public school budget.