Browsing through the PA Lottery site I came across this. Seems they invite folks unconnected to the lottery to witness the drawings, tests, compliance with procedures, both before and after the draws.
I've looked at a lot of official lottery sites, but I've never seen reference to such practices by other states. Most don't even make it easy to discover when and where drawings are conducted.
Seems to me this is a great means of maintaining public involvement and trust.
Are any of you aware of other lotteries doing anything similar?
From the PA site:
The Drawing
Located at WHP Studios, Sixth Street , Harrisburg , PA.
Every evening the drawing includes Daily Number, BIG 4 and CASH 5; on Tuesday and Friday we also have the MATCH 6 drawing; on Monday and Thursday, we also have the LUCKY FOR LIFE LOTTO drawing.
The total time needed to complete the process is approximately 3½ hours.
Your Role as a Witness
As a witness, you have an important responsibility as you represent the general public to witness all drawing-related activities and tasks to ensure the integrity of the drawings and public confidence in the Pennsylvania Lottery.
You will directly participate in the selection of the machines and ball sets for all of that evening's games, observing all pre-drawing and post-drawing tests, as well as being on camera for the live drawing.
You complement a drawing staff of two Pennsylvania Lottery officials, who directly perform all drawing tasks, and two representatives from the independent CPA firm, who monitor all tasks to ensure that all procedures are properly performed, and that all security standards are met.
You will be instructed on everything you need to do. There is nothing you need to prepare for.
The Schedule
Our nightly drawing activities begin at 4 p.m. with dinner provided, courtesy of the Pennsylvania Lottery, for the scheduled witnesses at a suburban Harrisburg restaurant. You will be met at the restaurant by members of our drawing staff, who will provide an overview of the evening's procedures and your role in the drawing.
After dinner, you and the drawing staff will proceed to WHP Studios where you are met by representatives of the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) group and will begin the drawing procedures.
Witnesses are asked to provide their own transportation due to various factors. In the event that you are unable to drive, you are welcome to use a "third party" (a guest) to drive you to the restaurant and studio.
Participation as an individual involves two consecutive days - the first day you will function as the "back-up" witness (off-camera), and the second day you will be the "on-camera" witness.
If participating as a couple and you wish to accompany each other for both assignments, a third consecutive day would be involved.
A drawing official will contact you to schedule you at your convenience. The scheduling will be confirmed by a follow-up letter.
You may cancel or postpone if you encounter an emergency or other problem. We do request that you call us as early as possible if you need to cancel, so that we may find a replacement witness.
Normally, witnesses participate no more than once every six months.
The Process
Meet members of Pennsylvania Lottery drawing staff at 4 p.m. for dinner.
Arrive at WHP Studios no later than 5:30 p.m.
Assist in the random selection of machines and ball sets, and observe security tests.
Observe pre-drawing tests in rehearsal area.
Observe the movement of equipment into main studio area.
Observe studio test drawings - then on-camera witness gets practice.
Participate in the live drawings at 6:58:50 p.m.
Observe post-drawing verification and tests.
Secure machines and ball sets for the night.
Sign paperwork and go home - usually no later than 7:30 p.m.
Proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery Benefit
Older Pennsylvanians. Every Day.
For more information on benefits for older Pennsylvanians, please see the additional links on our web site homepage at www.palottery.com. Thank you.