I enjoyed reading your tweets, we should be able to request the information of how many World Class cash books were sent to that specific retailer within a time frame. Before making any direct "foul play" complaints, we should do a little more research. You're right that the ability to mass order books is one advantage, and lottery retailers can also call the warehouse to check to see if there's any returned books on games that are no longer orderable. This potentially allows a retailer a better chance than the general public to conveniently locate and have access to a game that's ending but still has a substantial amount of prize money remaining. The subject is still interesting, and in my opinion, appalling that they even allow retailers to play at their own stores. Some stores have their own policies, for example, Publix doesn't let their clerks play the games while they're on a shift. This is a common sense best practice.
Perhaps this man decided to order a large number of books, aiding his odds. Perhaps he is a retailer who likes to play, and got incredibly lucky and there may be retailers who are avid lotto players...but I still think that possibility in itself warrants prohibiting them from playing at their own store due to temptations. Perhaps he bought that ticket after witnessing several of his customers buying losing tickets.
I wrote them regarding this incident, and one last year where a store owner won a top prize at his store ($2M top prize on Holiday Cash)
Their response:
"Thank you for your email. Florida Statutes do not prohibit Lottery retailers from playing Florida Lottery games. The two retailers you referenced are both in good standing and are able to play Florida Lottery games regardless of where they purchase their tickets.
I hope this information has been helpful to you. Thank you for your interest in the Florida Lottery.
My response:
"I still do have some concerns.
1. Lottery retailers have the ability to order books, and can obtain books of games that are difficult to come by. For games where there's few books in circulation and still large outstanding prizes out there, this can provide lottery retailers with an advantage. Look at the $5 game Bonus Double match for example which is difficult to find, almost entirely sold out with two outstanding jackpots. This is a possible unfair advantage.
2. Retailers and clerks can keep track of player wins in their store, and purchase tickets after noticing a streak of losers. There's a guaranteed minimum payout in every book, and statistically speaking the odds of winning are greater after a streak of losers.
I can understand that from a business and operational standpoint the lottery is concerned with sales, but if integrity is truly a concern, there ought to be a policy change to forbid retailers from playing scratchoffs at their own store. Clerks should also be forbidden from playing at a store where they have access to tickets.
These suggestions would only improve integrity, and the security of the games. It isn't a great inconvenience, retailers and clerks could simply play at one of the 13,000 alternate retailers across the state."
Their final response:
"
I will pass your suggestion along to our Retailer Contracting Department for consideration.
Thank you"
They are brushing me off, after realizing that their logic for allowing retailers to play at their own store does pose integrity issues within the game. They don't want to admit any potential operational flaws, so naturally they will "pass on my feedback", a politically correct way of trying to get a vocal customer to shut up. I'm sure it has been forwarded to an inbox where it will remain, and sit for years to come. They always preach about ensuring the integrity of their games. I don't understand why they haven't thought to make a simple policy to prevent this from happening.
I haven't contacted any reporters yet, but I do think this is a newsworthy story. Some reporter will take this on because it sounds "scandalous", which will get views.