Lottery vendors in Costa Rica receive subsidy

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A subsidy put together to help lottery vendors affected by the suspension of gambling activity in Costa Rica has been deposited in part by the Social Protection Board (JPS).

According to the JPS, 1600 vendors received the $342,000 subsidy funded with resources from the board. Lottery draws were suspended on March 24, as estimated losses rose to $8.5m.

Esmeralda Britton, president of the JPS, had explained that the board understands that shutting down operations for two weeks affects vendors’ finances, and the board “can’t leave them without income.”

“We had great concerns for the families of the people who work in the Costa Rican lotteries. With solidarity and in a legal context, the JPS has honored its word,” stated Britton.

The president revealed that 151 vendors did not deliver their information correctly and could not receive the subsidy. However, they have time to do so before April 14. The project from Deputy Erwen Masís aims to assist independent vendors, with the only condition needed to meet requirements being that lottery sellers must be active in the system.

“This is our way to say thank you to those who sell our products every day in Costa Rica and help carry out social work programs aimed to contribute to those in vulnerable conditions.”

As part of new ways to try to find revenues amid the COVID-19 pandemic, football clubs have said that it is considering the revival of the sports betting industry.

The President of the first division team Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, Fernando Ocampo, explained that “it’s time to be creative and consider proposals to generate resources for football and other sports.” He added that they will have a clearer picture in a few weeks and “hopefully a proposal.”