Criterion
Dual-arm mechanical mix.
Decades of proven randomness.
Mix capacity
100
Draw capacity
10 / 20
Ball size
50 mm foam
Overview
The Criterion's dual counterrotating arms have been mixing lottery balls around the world for decades. It remains the trusted backbone of regulated gravity-mix draws.
The Criterion is the machine that defined Smartplay's engineering reputation. Twin mixing arms rotate in opposite directions inside a transparent mixing bowl, continuously crossing ball paths to prevent any bias or pattern from forming. It is compatible with Smartplay's Solution System automatic number recognition (ANR), giving it a path to full automation without requiring a machine replacement. Many Criterion units remain in active service after 20 or more years — a testament to the precision of Smartplay's New Jersey manufacturing. Where the Criterion III adds elevator ball return, the Criterion's simpler mechanical profile remains the choice for operators who prioritize reliability, ease of maintenance, and a smaller footprint.
Technical Specifications
Media
Photos & Video
Key Features
What sets the Criterion apart.
Dual Counterrotating Arms
Arms cross each other continuously — no dead zones, no predictable paths, no ball bias. Independently verified randomness on every draw.
ANR Compatible
Integrates with Smartplay's Solution System Automatic Number Recognition — camera-based result capture without RFID chips required.
20+ Year Track Record
Many Criterion lottery machines have been in continuous regulated service for over two decades. Spare parts and service are available for every generation.
Compact Footprint
Smaller staging footprint than the Criterion III makes it ideal for studios or secure draw rooms with limited space.
RFID Upgradeable
RFID SmartBall recognition can be added at any time — future-proofing your existing machine investment.
Transparent Bowl
Full optical clarity for regulators, auditors, and broadcast cameras on all viewing angles.
Use Cases
Where the Criterion works best.
National Lottery Draws
Regulated primary draws for national and regional lotteries requiring certified randomness.
Televised Jackpot Events
Studio draws with broadcast camera coverage and live or recorded results transmission.
Dual Lotto / Keno Format
Single machine for two game formats — operator selects 10-ball or 20-ball draw mode.
Secure Draw Rooms
Regulated non-broadcast draw environments with multi-party witness requirements.
Trusted By
Active deployments worldwide.
WLA member lotteries — Europe and Asia
Regional European lottery operators
Asian national lottery authorities
US state lottery commissions
Options & Add-Ons
Configure your Criterion.
Solution System ANR
Camera-based automatic number recognition — no RFID required. Results captured and exported without operator input.
RFID SmartBall
Per-ball RFID chip recognition from pool to draw tube. Real-time result capture.
Custom LED Lighting
Programmable broadcast-grade LED arrays in brand colors or show-synchronized sequences.
API Integration
Open result export API for lottery management platforms and broadcast overlay systems.
Related Machines
You might also consider.
Halogen®
The Powerball machine.
The flagship gravity-mix model trusted by Powerball USA and lotteries in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom. Built for the most-watched draws on the planet.
- Mix capacity
- 100
- Draw capacity
- 10 lotto / 20 keno
- Ball size
- 50 mm foam
- RFID ball recognition
- Custom LED lighting
- Green-screen backer
Criterion III
The next-generation gravity machine.
The first Smartplay model to return drawn balls to the rack in sorted order via an integrated elevator system. Built-in recycling, full API integration, RFID-ready.
- Mix capacity
- 300
- Draw capacity
- 10 lotto / 20 keno
- Ball size
- 50 mm foam
- Auto ball recycling
- Elevator ball return
- RFID + API integration
Magnum
High-capacity, paddle-driven mix.
Horizontally rotating paddles deliver thorough randomization at scale. In active service with WLA national lotteries across the United Kingdom, Ghana, and Vietnam.
- Mix capacity
- 300
- Draw capacity
- 12
- Ball size
- 50 mm foam
- RFID option
- Custom lighting
Get Started
Ready to deploy the Criterion?
Our engineering team will configure the right spec for your game format, regulatory environment, broadcast setup, and operational tempo — and provide a detailed quote.
Business hours
Mon – Fri · 7:00 am – 4:30 pm ET
Headquarters
New Jersey, USA · Est. 1993
Warranty
1 year on all new equipment