“The Upgrade” FAQs

Upgrade your understanding

A change this big will come with a lot of questions. Hopefully, we’ve already answered yours in the FAQs below.

Why is Ohio Lottery making “The Upgrade” to a new gaming system?

The current Ohio Lottery gaming system is 17 years old. “The Upgrade” is essential to modernize our operations so we can continue to reliably serve players and generate funding in support of Ohio’s K-12 education.

How will Ohio Lottery players benefit from a new gaming system?

With “The Upgrade,” players will have a new and more modern gaming experience with streamlined purchasing, flexible payment options, Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)-qualified responsive touch screens, and new KENO shows.

When will “The Upgrade” start? When will it be complete?

Converting more than 9,000 self-serve kiosks and 12,000 clerk-operated terminals across the state will take some time. Beginning in October 2026, you’ll start to see new equipment arrive at your favorite retailers. The official switch to the new gaming system will go live in spring 2027. (Some self-serve kiosks will continue to be swapped out through summer 2027.)

How will the new self-serve kiosks work until spring 2027?

New PlayCentral® self-serve kiosks will only sell Scratch-Offs and will only take cash payments until the new gaming system goes live in spring 2027. After that time, self-serve kiosks will offer all games, accept all payment options, scan winning tickets, accept coupons, and validate tickets and vouchers.

Can I still play all Ohio Lottery games during “The Upgrade”?

Yes! All Ohio Lottery games can be purchased at the counter using all payment methods throughout the conversion to our new gaming system.

Will tickets I purchased before “The Upgrade” still be valid for prizes, rewards and Second Chance promotions?

Yes. You can scan all legacy tickets, cash out winners and enter all non-winning tickets into MyLotto Rewards^® – just as you do today.