Ohio Lottery Sees Success with Scratch Connect Game

ATLANTA, Sept. 3, 2026, The Ohio Lottery has seen significant engagement with its first Scratch Connect game, a product developed by Scientific Games. Nearly 570,000 Ohio players, as of August 22, have scanned their $5 Bonus Cash Wheel retail tickets to play the Reach the Wheel online game, with 90% of them completing the digital experience. Even more encouraging, 40% of those players chose to "Play It Again by Entering Another Ticket," indicating a high level of satisfaction with the connected retail-to-online experience.

Scratch Connect offers a seamless transition from traditional scratch-off games to digital play. After scratching the Scratch Connect logo on a physical ticket, players scan the revealed QR code with their mobile devices to unlock a digital bonus game. This new product extends the familiar scratch game experience into a digital realm, allowing players to continue their journey beyond the physical ticket.

Charlie Scannella, vice president of Customer Success & Relationship Management at Scientific Games, commented on the positive response. "The early response to Bonus Cash Wheel demonstrates the opportunity lotteries have to connect retail and digital play in a natural way for players. Scratch Connect provides a simple, intuitive experience that keeps the retail network central to the overall experience."

The Ohio launch marks the third Scratch Connect game in the U.S., following successful implementations in Kentucky and Pennsylvania. More games are planned, aiming to expand the reach of this innovative product. Unlike some digital lottery initiatives, Scratch Connect does not require system vendor integration, making it a quick-to-market solution for lotteries.

For the Ohio Lottery's Bonus Cash Wheel, Scientific Games designed an integrated experience that maintains the continuity between the physical and digital worlds. The wheel-style play action from the physical game continues in the Reach the Wheel digital game, while colors and other visual elements are carried across both experiences. This cohesive design ensures a smooth transition for players.

Scientific Games, the world's largest lottery games company, has continued to innovate in the lottery and sports betting space. The company's recent developments in digital programs, including CRM, loyalty, promotions, second-chance, mobile, and web applications, have further solidified its position as a leader in the industry. With a focus on innovation, performance, and security, Scientific Games is driving the future of play.

The Ohio Lottery's initial results with Scratch Connect are promising, reflecting a growing trend of players embracing the connected play experience. As more states and lotteries explore similar initiatives, Scratch Connect may become a standard in the industry, providing a seamless and engaging experience for lottery players.

The Scratch Connect product is a trademark of Scientific Games, and the company holds a strong presence in the global market, serving more than 150 lotteries in 50 countries.