Lotto receivers protest over reduced winnings

The Lotto Receivers’ Union complained yesterday that deductions of lotto winnings were taking place too frequently and could push players to resort to illegal gaming.

It said such reductions in lotto winning were taking place contrary to its advice.

While it recognised that a quota of maximum winnings was necessary, the union said it disagreed with the system introduced by Maltco. Although Maltco had agreed with the government, four years ago, that the new system would be revised every six months, no such revision had been made.

The union said it was never consulted on any analysis or revision. Seven deductions in winnings had taken place so far this year, serving only to guarantee revenue for Maltco, the union said. Players were losing confidence and could resort to illegal games, it warned.