Local newsagents and lottery outlets across NSW and the ACT could be under threat with Tatts Lotto’s plans to expand the sale of lottery tickets into supermarkets.
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Agencies will also be forced to undertake new signage, costing between $20-25,000.
In 2010, the Labor government privatised the NSW and ACT Lotteries. Under the lease agreement, newsagents and other small outlets had a moratorium in place to exclusively sell the tickets for five years after privatisation.
This prevented supermarkets and other big retailers from selling tickets and scratchies until March 31, 2015.
As the date draws nearer Yass Newsagency owners Merren and Roger Gregg, are expecting a very cruel April fools.
“This is really going to hurt us badly, we get much of our revenue from lottery sales. For other agencies it’s between 20-90 per cent of daily intake,” Mr Gregg said.
“What would make things worse is if they decided to put these facilities into service stations. In a small town there are not always a Coles or Woolworths, however there are a lot of Woolworths-owned stations, it would really kill a small town.
“Large supermarkets are becoming more and more like a one stop shop, it’s convenient to get everything you need from one place. This is really the death-knell of small towns. I remember when there were three bakeries in town, now we only have the one."
The couple is already considering options for their future.
“We provide home delivery of newspapers which is a service that costs us, if we lose lotto revenue we may have to stop that service. This causes a flow-on effect for the town with less papers sold, which hurts the local paper and other businesses,” Mrs Gregg explained.
She said many small business owners are concerned that it is only a matter of time before they become obsolete.
“You really can’t blame people either, time is a precious thing and these outlets are making it a lot easier to get things done faster,” Mr Gregg added.
“The lottery is not a competitive venture, there are set prices so what you would be buying at the large supermarkets would be the same as if you purchased them from us."
Mr and Mrs Gregg are uncertain as to when they will have to make the outfit change which will cost between $20-25,000 for the new signage. All outlets will have the same expense regardless of the facilities capacity.
“We have a lot of loyal customers and we hope that will be enough to sustain us, however we understand that it’s more convenient for busy people to use other outlets."
The Gregg’s are also questioning how the ACCC and government will allow such a process to happen.
“We really hope that our MP’s at state level will see the harm this will do to a small town like Yass and hopefully will rally for us. At the moment it feels like our hands are tied,” Mr Gregg said.
Member for Goulburn Pru Goward said she was keen to tackle the issue.
“The NSW Government is willing to meet with newsagents, the Tatts Group and other retailers to discuss options for the longer term regulation of lotteries products before the moratorium expires.
“Any discussions would also seek input from the public.”
Woolworths chose not to comment on the issue.