Subcommittee backs vending machines for lottery tickets; lottery CFO estimates up to tens of millions in added sales

Representative Ballantine introduced HB5057 as a measure to modernize lottery retailing by allowing in‑store vending machines for ticket sales rather than requiring purchases at the counter. Ballantine said the change “doesn't cost any state dollars” and could increase sales that support scholarships.

Anne Huffman, chief financial officer of the South Carolina Education Lottery, testified she expects additional sales in the first year to be between $13.7 million and $36 million and said, after paying back machine investments, the remaining incremental sales would produce additional transfers to the state. Huffman said the initial investment would be about $10 million and that machines would be funded from lottery revenues; she also confirmed machines would require ID checks.

Representative Lehi pressed on estimated net revenue and who would pay for machines; Huffman reiterated that the lottery would cover the initial outlay and that transfers to the state could be at least $1 million in the initial period. The subcommittee completed a roll call and gave HB5057 a favorable report, recorded in the transcript as a 3–0 vote.

The testimony forwarded by the lottery’s CFO framed the change as a self‑funding modernization intended to increase sales and scholarship transfers. The subcommittee’s favorable report moves the provision forward in the legislative process.