Ombudsman launches B.C. lottery probe

The B.C. ombudsman has launched an investigation intoreports that retailers are winning lotteries at about six times the rate of the public.

The initial response from the B.C. Lottery Corp. 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 bebeneficial for everybody," she said.

"Confidence in the lottery system is important not just to thepeople 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 corporationhas in place to monitor ticket purchases by retailers, 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.

Vic Poleschuk, president of the B.C. Lottery Corp., said he's confident the right prizes are being paid to the rightful winners.

Poleschuk added he's looking forward to working with the ombudsman to reassure the public about the security and integrity of the lottery games.