THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

Govt takes Bt5.4bn hit as 3rd lottery draw cancelled

Govt takes Bt5.4bn hit as 3rd lottery draw cancelled

The April 1 lottery draw has been postponed for a second time, from May 2 to May 16, the Government Lottery Office (GLO) announced on Wednesday (April 15).

“The postponement aims to encourage social distancing according to the government’s policy to prevent the spread of Covid-19,” said GLO chairman Phachara Anantasilp.
“We decided to postpone it for a second time as the Covid-19 situation still persists and selling tickets on May 2 could result in public gatherings, [which goes] against government recommendations.”
The prize draw for April 1 has been rescheduled to take place at the Government Lottery Office in Nonthaburi on May 16 from 2.30pm to 4pm, while the selling of tickets for May 16’s draw will be cancelled.
The GLO’s precautions against the transmission of Covid-19 have now resulted in the cancellation of three lottery draws – April 16, May 2 and May 16. “The cancellations will cost the government Bt5.4 billion in revenue from lottery ticket sales, as each draw generate Bt1.8 billion on average,” said Phachara.
He added that the GLO is studying the possibility of selling tickets online.
“We need to thoroughly consider the impact of online selling for the public and existing sellers before making the decision,” he said, referring to the fact that many disabled and underprivileged people make their living from selling lottery tickets.

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