Ombudsman launches B.C. lottery probe

(CBC) - The B.C. Ombudsman has launched an investigation into reports that retailers are winning lotteries at about six times the rate of the public.

The initial response from the B.C. Lottery Corporation last week was that the retailers are likely just playing more.

But Kim Carter said there are questions that need investigating, to ensure continued public confidence in the fairness of the system.

"I believe that having an independent and an impartial look at this issue would be beneficial for everybody," she said.

"Confidence in the lottery system is important not just to the people that play and the causes that benefit from the distribution of funds, but to the vendors themselves."

Carter says her investigation will focus on the process the B.C. Lottery Corporation has in place to monitor retailers' ticket purchases, and to ensure that people presenting winning tickets are the valid purchasers. Last month, an inquiry by CBC News showed retailers in Ontario claimed one in 10 scratch-and-win prizes.

The president of the B.C. Lottery Corporation says he's confident the right prizes are being paid to the rightful winners.

Vic Poleschuk adds he's looks forward to working with the Ombudsman to reassure the security and integrity of the lottery games.

© the CBC, 2006