The Managing Director, Western Lotto Nigeria Limited, Mr. Elvis Krivokuca, has disclosed that lottery can generate over N141.3 billion annually for the development of Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking during the launch of the company in Lagos yesterday, Krivokuca said the company seeks to create opportunities through extended value-chain of distributors, agents, business centres, portals, and several suppliers as well as wealth and empowerment of Nigerians.
He stated that: “In South Africa, 82 percent of the population play the lottery at least once in a week. In 2012 alone expert put the lottery shares of funds to the country finances at about N141.3 billion. In same year, United Kingdom lottery made a significant contribution up to the sum of £2.2 billion which was used to host the 2012 London Olympics games.”
“The stakes are very high in gambling. People bet with expensive items including houses, cars etc. A lottery is a numbers game of chance for entertainment and reaction that carries much less risk. Also, gambling benefits only those directly involved; it is a winner takes all, whereas the proceeds of regulated lottery have been used to promote developmental causes in many countries.
“Western Lotto is set up mainly to offer Nigerians the opportunity to win big. Beyond that, even when you are not winning, your funds are channeled towards good causes. We are already partnering with a number of foundations, one of which caters for women that are victims of rape.
“Also, we partner with initiatives to support young people that need financial assistance to complete their education. We are involved in health and sport causes as well. We are committed to empowering citizens, creating jobs, giving hope and bringing smiles to smiles to people.”
The company’s foreign technical partner, Mr. Rob Lawson, said Western lotto is the first mobile lotto in Nigeria. “We also pride ourselves in the privacy, dynamism and accessibility that our platform offers. Western Lotto is the first mobile lotto in Nigeria. You can play via USSD, mobile app, online, shops and terminals. Your winning code can be paid via the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or Quick teller -for smaller amounts, or walk into any bank to collect their winnings.”
