Overview
You will learn how to configure your settings, import state games, confirm and activate packs, enter end-of-day readings, mark games as sold out, return packs, and complete weekly settlement reports.
This ensures your lottery inventory is accurately maintained for sales tracking and settlements.
Step-By-Step Process
Go to C-Store Essentials Web Account
You can access C-Store Essentials by clicking here or going to https://secure.cstorepro.com
Click the “Forgot Password” button if you need help resetting your password
2. Configure Lottery Settings (Including Vending Machine Option)
On the left-hand menu, click Lottery/Lotto and then select Settings
Locate the Vending Machine setting:
By default, it is set to No
If your store has a vending machine, change this setting to Yes
Review any other settings on this page that might apply to your store before proceeding
3. Import State Lottery Games (Optional)
Click Lottery/Lotto on the left-hand menu, then select Dashboard
Step 1 on the dashboard is to import lottery games for your state
If no games appear or if the games shown are not needed:
You can skip this step
Or you can select specific games to import individually
Or use the top checkbox to Select All and import all games at once
3. Confirm Packs Currently on the Shelf
Go to Lottery/Lotto > Dashboard
Step 2 is to confirm all packs currently being sold
You can start by:
Clicking Pack to get started
Or selecting Confirm from the left-hand menu under Lottery/Lotto
💡 Tip!: When scanning, use the long barcode (not the short barcode)
You have two options to confirm packs:
Scan the long barcode using a scanner connected to your computer or the PDI C-Store Essentials app
Manual Entry: Enter the Game Number and Pack Number manually, then select Confirm
You can backdate the confirmation if needed
Use the Dayfield to select the correct starting date (e.g., yesterday’s date)
4. Activate Packs
Once you have confirmed packs, go to Lottery/Lotto > Dashboard
Select Activate for the packs you confirmed
You should activate at the store system (terminal) and also within C-Store Essentials
On the activation page:
You can enter the Slot Number manually if desired
You can scan the barcode again
Or manually enter the Game Number and Pack Number
If a pack is placed in a vending machine:
Change the Vending Machine setting to Yes during activation
Click Activate This Pack to complete the process
5. Enter End-of-Day Readings
Go to Lottery/Lotto > Day Shift Closing
The first time you enter readings:
Choose the correct date (backdate if needed)
You have three options to enter readings:
Scan the barcode — the system will automatically detect the current ticket number.
Manual Entry: Enter Game Number, Pack Number, and Current Ticket Number
Slot Number Entry: Enter by Slot Number and input the Current Ticket Number
After entering the readings, click Save Changes
6. Mark Games as Sold Out
If a game has sold out:
Mark it as Sold Out on the End-of-Day Readings page
Even if tickets remain, marking it Sold Out ensures accurate calculations for settlement
If returning or settling a game:
Go to Lottery/Lotto on the left
Choose either Return Packs (for returns) or Settle (for settlements)
Select the date for the return
You can scan or manually enter the Game Number and Pack Number
7. Enter Weekly Settlement Reports
Settlements are usually weekly (Sunday to Sunday), but check your state’s specific requirements
On the left menu, select Basic Task and then Enter Settlement
Set the start and end dates for your reporting period
Click Get Settlement Amount
Verify the information pulled from your reports
Click Settlement to finalize the settlement
8. Add a Lottery Game Manually
If you skipped importing games or if a game is missing:
Go to Lottery/Lotto > Games on the left-hand menu
You can add new games from this page
Existing games (imported or manually added) will be listed here
Frequently Asked Questions
What barcode should I use when scanning for inventory tracking?
What barcode should I use when scanning for inventory tracking?
Use the long barcode when confirming packs and entering end-of-day readings.
The short barcode is used only when selling tickets at the register.
What happens if I forget to backdate my first day of end-of-day readings?
What happens if I forget to backdate my first day of end-of-day readings?
Your first day's readings will be off because you started tracking games that were already in progress.
To avoid this, use the Dayfield to backdate to the correct day.
How do I track tickets sold through a vending machine?
How do I track tickets sold through a vending machine?
First, enable the Vending Machine setting under Lottery/Lotto > Settings.
Then, during pack activation, set the appropriate packs as sold through the vending machine.
Why do I need to mark a game as "Sold Out" even if tickets remain?
Why do I need to mark a game as "Sold Out" even if tickets remain?
Marking a game as Sold Out ensures the system correctly calculates settlements and returns, regardless of how many unsold tickets remain.
Can I manually enter end-of-day readings if I don't have a scanner?
Can I manually enter end-of-day readings if I don't have a scanner?
Yes, you can manually enter the Game Number, Pack Number, and Current Ticket Number or use the Slot Number option.
How often do I need to complete settlement reports?
How often do I need to complete settlement reports?
Settlement reports are typically entered weekly, usually from Sunday to Sunday, but this may vary based on your state lottery requirements.