JAMAICA-SPORTS: New lottery promising “big bucks” for the lucky

By IPS Correspondents Reprint | | Print |

KINGSTON, Nov 9 1994 (IPS) - A group of Jamaican investors is launching a new lottery game this weekend with a promise of “big bucks” for lucky ticket buyers.

Tickets for the Jamaica Lotto are scheduled to go on sale on Saturday as the investors take a gamble into this business following the failure of a similar venture three years ago.

This new venture makes its entry into the gambling arena with a brand new management team and an initial investment of five million dollars.

The predecessor to the Jamaica Lotto — the Sports Development Agency’s (SDA) “Scratch and Win” game was scrapped following reported multi-million dollar losses and its failure to assist government in a programme of sports development as was agreed when the licence was granted.

Under the terms of the SDA’s licence, 10 percent of the company’s earnings were to be placed into a special fund to assist with the development of sports. But the SDA ended up owing millions of dollars to the fund. The new Jamaica Lotto company management says it has paid off the arrears.

“In order for the Jamaica Lotto Company to maintain the licence the debt of the SDA had to be paid ,” says Theodore Cummings, General Manager of the new company.

The lotto is expected to carry a jackpot estimated at 33,000 dollars. Each ticket will have six numbers between one and 34 and will cost 60 cents.

There will be televised drawings each Wednesday and Sunday. If the ticket holder matches the six numbers drawn then he will win the jackpot. Other combinations could win lesser prizes for ticket holders.

The first drawing is expected to take place on Saturday, November 19.

Cummings says the setting up of the Jamaica Lotto is being assisted by Canadian Bank Note International, a company with 10 years experience in setting up similar games in several countries.

“(We) have 10 people from Canada and Connecticut (U.S.) setting up equipment and training staff,” says Cummings.

Cummings says some 40 persons are already employed with Jamaica Lotto, but there is scope for earnings for agents, vendors and distributors.