[NautiNurse]

If this man can scan tickets for the “see retailer” message on his phone, what prevents shopkeepers from doing the same with each roll of scratch-off tickets?

[SES1066]

My guess is that the tickets are not ‘activated’ until purchased and thus ‘registered’ to the state with revenue expected.

[BubbaBobTX]

Yes I thought the same thing. I worked in a gas station in the 60’s as my first job. They had a scratch off ticket that the station paid instant cash. We would sit around in our spare time and scratch until we go a couple of winners and “cash them in” when the station owner was out.

[Svartalfiar]

If this man can scan tickets for the “see retailer” message on his phone, what prevents shopkeepers from doing the same with each roll of scratch-off tickets?

You have to scratch off part of the scratchy-part to reveal the barcode to scan. So it would, obviously, be a major flag if a shop was selling tickets with those already scratched off.

Next time you buy a lotto ticket, don't do the whole thing, only scratch the game numbers part. When you give it to the cashier, you can see them scratch off the barcode area to scan and verify.