Doing My Part

by Brendan Smith
Weirs Times Editor

Now that there are casinos just across the state line and the hint is in the air of letting (legalized) sports betting into New Hampshire, it is time for the Lottery Commission to really step up their game on the scratch ticket front if they want to continue to have any chance in keeping this game interesting.
Over the past twenty some odd years that I have written this column, I have, on occasion, exposed some of my great ideas for new scratch tickets that I was willing to let the state make use of, free of charge.
It hasn’t been since 1998, when the state took me up on “Frost Heaves and Pot Holes” idea that one of my great (if I must say so myself) ideas was used.
But, as a good citizen of the state, I continue to do my duty and to contribute my blood, sweat and tears in developin new scratch ticket idea. I believe the future of scratch tickets will need to include some more interactive games in order to compete.
Sure, people can now play scratch tickets online, but if these funds are being raised for the education of our youngest citizens, then we need to be serving as good examples by getting out from in front of our laptops and phones and getting outside for some fresh air when we buy our scratch tickets.
Considering what the Lottery Commission is facing in the future, I’m sure this time they will listen to what I have to say.
I have to admit that I was a visionary when I first came up with new scratch ticket ideas back in the late 1900s since some of these ideas still look fresh today.
For example, there is the multi-colored “Autumn In New Hampshire” scratch ticket. The game itself is pretty standard: match three of the same leaves or something and win a prize. The interactive part comes with those who hold losing tickets. They are encouraged to tear their tickets into little pieces and then to throw them at passing tour busses filled with leaf peepers to give them the impression of falling leaves. Not only a chance to win some money, but also a great incentive for a little additional exercise as well as helping promote tourism in the state.
I would also like to bring back my idea for the “Town Meeting” scratch ticket. Also interactive, this ticket adds a degree of thinking and reasoning to it. Scratch your ticket, get three folding chairs, then bring back your ticket to the convenience store where you will discuss with the clerk for from thirty to forty-five minutes what your prize should be until you settle on a specific number. You can even bring in a large crowd of your friends during the negotiations to help intimidate the clerk into giving you exactly what you want.
It’s really a fun ticket that can get people involved in the process.
With the growing slate of presidential contenders on the Democrats side, the opportunity for a whole slew of new and fun interactive scratch tickets seems limitless. It will really take some time to come up with a ticket that relates to each candidate.
For example, if Bernie Sanders should decide to run again, you could have a ticket just for him. Scratch off three Bernies, bring ticket back to convenience store and then share your winning with anyone who happens to be in the store at that particular time. (Yes, this could lead to increased vagrancy at some convenience stores while some linger waiting for a winner to come in, but, hey, it’s all for the kids.)
I did have a scratch ticket idea for Joe Biden that I thought of years ago, but when I look at it today, it just seems really old and lacking any new, creative ideas.
Of course, there is an old favorite of mine called the “Flatlander/Native” ticket where if you scratch off three natives you win a prize. The interactive part is if you are a native or long-time resident you can give the clerk the secret high sign first so he pulls the ticket from the roll that actually has winners. People from “away” who want one will be given a ticket from the role where there are no possible winners. A big money maker for the state.
I have plenty more ideas including scratch tickets that work with your EZ-Pass and ones where a player only has fifteen seconds to scratch their ticket before it explodes, to name a couple.
Glad to help.

Brendan is the author of “The Flatlander Chronicles” and “Best Of A F.O.O.L. In New Hampshire” available on his website BrendanTSmith.com