SCRATCH
AND
WIN!

The "Scratch and Win" [game, like Instant Lotto] is in trouble. The latest studies from the Ministry of Finance confirm that Italians love it less and less. But in order to attract the interest of players, a new type of Italian-style slot machines are arriving in our drug stores. - Let's listen to Laura Cason.

-In this Roman drug store do you feel a little like being in Las Vegas?
< Oh no, Las Vegas is a totally different thing, this is the best I can do.
 

They are called "Fun game machines" which we could translate "macchine da divertimento". Let's not create illusions then: these are not real slot machines. By law, you cannot win more than ten times the amount bet. The maximum is one hundred and fifty 500 lire tokens, that is, 75,000 lire. In any case, the winnings consist of coupons to be used in a drug store: pens, stamps, stationery, everything except cigarettes. In a few weeks, these little machines will be operating in all of Italy to the joy of players but also of store owners.

< It's an engaging game, but more than anything, it's fun!
 
- How much did you win, Ma'am?
< Let's say I'm at around one hundred tokens.
 
- Do you think you will increase earnings?
< I certainly hope so.
 
< I find it very stressful.
- For what reason?
< These blinking lights make me nervous, and then it's very difficult to win at these games.

They had to think of something new. The Italians' passion for the "Scratch and Win" has diminished according to the Ministry of Finance. In the first four months of this year proceeds were halved compared to the same period in 1996. However the game of preference still remains the Lotto.

 

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