Commercialization of Panama’s electronic lottery starts in July

Amidst a conflict between lottery ticket sellers and the National Charity Lottery (LNB) regarding the implementation of the electronic lottery, it has been revealed that the new games will be available for sale starting in July and August.

The new games, “Lotto” and “Pega 3,” will have draws scheduled for Tuesdays and Saturdays. The Panama Lottery has clarified that the traditional sale of chances and tickets will continue as usual.

Publio De Gracia, the General Director of Income and Chairman of the National Lottery, refuted any concerns that the electronic lottery would negatively impact ticket holders.

The official emphasized that the company responsible for the lottery will initiate an awareness campaign to inform consumers about the Lotto and Pega 3 products.

“I acknowledge the concerns and anxieties surrounding the introduction of the new games, but they will be the primary source of profit, accounting for more than 12 percent of the total sales. While I understand the protests and concerns, I believe it presents an opportunity for us,”

expressed Publio De Gracia in an interview with local outlet Eco TV.

Fernando González, the representative of the Billeteros de Panamá union, voiced his stance, saying,

“As billeteros, we will be demanding this contract, and we have been reiterating our position on numerous occasions. We have consulted with our lawyers because we cannot allow a charitable institution with a century-long history, an institution with an established network of vendors and infrastructure, to be overshadowed by a company that relies on this institution to generate more revenue than the lottery itself.”

The union has stated that the company will receive 15 percent of the sales’ profits.

However, back in February, when the new modality was introduced, the LNB issued a statement saying,

“The existing ticket sellers will be the exclusive vendors of the new products, utilizing a wireless electronic device that will generate the tickets. Wallets will not be required to pay for the use or connection of this electronic device.”

“Currently, wallets generate profits from the sales of chances and tickets for the Wednesday and Sunday draws, as well as the monthly draw (last Friday of each month) of the Gordito del Zodiaco. With the introduction of the new products, wallets will additionally sell tickets for the Tuesday and Saturday draws, thereby increasing their economic income.”