I don't know about your state lottery. Here in Maryland retailers who dispense lottery tickets are doing a service for the lottery basically for free acting as an agent for the lottery. They get a small commission for selling and cashing tickets. On a daily basis no where near enough money to pay for one machine operator day salary let alone a weeks salary.
The benefits of running a lottery machine is the draw you get from customers coming in to buy other purchases. The lottery doesn't pay the cashiers salary they are paid by their employer many of whom are required to preform other duties while at work.
Retailers are doing a service for the lottery. The lottery is making out like a fat rat doing business this way. Since retailers are acting as a go between. And the lottery doesn't have to pay cashiers they are reigning in huge profits.
I'm pretty sure it's done the same way in other states.
I don't see any reason you should tip cashiers you don't know. However cashiers who dispense your tickets regularly and you know that person and you like that person and they handle your daily lottery ticket purchases, give you the correct numbers you ask for etc then if you feel like it go ahead and tip them a small amount once in a while.
How The Maryland Lottery Benefits Retailers
Increased Profits
Enjoy 5.5% commission on sales and an additional 3% commission for cashing. In Fiscal Year 2007, total Maryland Lottery sales were $1.577billion with total commissions paid to Maryland Lottery retailers at more than $112 million.
Increased Traffic Flow
Add a popular attraction, like the Lottery, to your establishment you will add more profit to your business.
Competitive Advantage
Offer your customers a product that is not offered by all retailers. Provide your customers with another reason to visit your establishment.
User-Friendly Equipment
Technical support provided 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, 365 days-a-year.
Reliable routine maintenance of equipment and delivery of supplies.
Rapid processing of tickets, which means quick and efficient service for your customers.
The Best Part Of All - - - It's At No Cost To You!!!!
Free installation of lottery equipment
Free attractive point-of-sale materials and advertising support
Free training for all of your employees