The Lotteries Kiosk at the Southland Mall

After 11 years of owning Diger Service in Strasbourg, a gas and restaurant business with a lottery terminal, Gerry and Diane Oehler headed to Regina for new adventure. They built and operated a kiosk in a Superstore and three years later, in 2007, Gerry made another move to become the primary operator of the Southland Mall Sask Sport Kiosk.  Gerry operates the kiosk with five part-time staff.

Gerry is enjoying his new location at the Southland Mall because of the variety of customers it brings. “Our location in a food court of a major mall gives us the best of both worlds,” he says. “We enjoy terrific regular customers with the added privilege of meeting passers-by from all over.”

“As a Retailer, I have the joy of meeting many wonderful people. I get attached even when I don’t know their full name. When a customer moves away or passes and I find out, it’s hard to operate the kiosk with tears on my cheek.”

The Southland Mall Kiosk has several popular games, including LOTTO 6/49 and LOTTO MAX. “CROSSWORD, BINGO, AND BLACKJACK lead our SCRATCH ‘N WIN tickets,” says Gerry, adding that many customers are also interested in KENO and often visit the LTC on their coffee break for a chance to win.

Over the years, Gerry has sold major winning lottery tickets, including a $10,000 Scratch ticket in November 2007 and the EXTRA worth $ 100,000 in May 2009 at the Southland LTC.

Almost every week, Gerry hears from customers how sport, culture and recreation programs that receive Lotteries funding have impacted their lives.

Gerry knows first-hand the difference that proceeds from lottery ticket sales can make. He and his wife Diane have been involved in minor sports, and Diane has also been a coach.

With his many years as a lottery retailer, Gerry has had extensive experience with what is most effective when dealing with his customers. “Ultimately it is a smile, friendly service, and a thank you.”