The California Lottery failed to recall compromised Scratchers tickets and did not adhere to security testing procedures, according to a new audit from the State Controller’s Office.
The audit found that six Scratchers games in 2017 “catastrophically failed” routine internal security tests. These failures indicated that the tickets might reveal numbers or images before being scratched.
The audit findings were first reported by The Sacramento Bee.
How the Scratchers became compromised remains unclear, as the lottery did not disclose details to prevent encouraging potential scammers.
In response to the audit, the lottery disputed claims that the compromised tickets should have been recalled and denied flaws in its control over ticket security.
However, the lottery acknowledged that its documentation processes could be improved.
“All recommendations as a result of this report have been fully and completely implemented since the audit took place,” Carolyn Becker, the lottery’s deputy director of public affairs and communications, told The Sacramento Bee. “Players trust that our games are fair, and we work hard to ensure it stays that way. The integrity of our games is of utmost value to us.”
Becker also noted that since the audit period, which ended six years ago, new California Lottery leadership has made strides in improving documentation and security procedures.
The Controller’s Office plans to conduct a follow-up review of the lottery’s corrective actions but has not yet set a timeline.