Bengaluru, January 5: The state is losing Rs 6000 crores per annum due to proliferation of Online gambling and E – Lottery, Karnataka state retail lottery merchants association President C. Ramakrishna said on Wednesday.
Speaking to media here, Ramakrishna said it is ridiculous to ban paper lottery in the age of Online gambling and E – Lottery.
“The neighbouring Kerala state is getting a revenue of Rs 6000 crores by efficient regulation and monitoring of lottery system,” Ramakrishna added.
He urged the state government to emulate Kerala model of managing the lottery system in the interest of state exchequer as well as small and retail lottery agents.
“Our government should look into the humanitarian angle in this issue,” Ramakrishna added.
In his view, the income generated out of lottery sales can be utilized for social welfare schemes including medical facilities to the elderly people.
“Moreover, if the government brings in transparent and fair lottery system, we can curb illegal gambling and the menace of E – Lottery,” Ramakrishna explained.
He said the wholesale lottery agents can buy all the printed lottery tickets by paying the entire amount. “The lottery tickets can also carry advertisement material cleared by the government. In this system, the government will be in a win-win situation,” Ramakrishna added.
EOM
