Govt asked to rethink about lotto

Press, 10 December 1984, Page 29

Govt asked to rethink about lotto

PA Wellington A review of the decision not to introduce the game, lotto, is called for in Ministerial briefing papers. The Internal Affairs Department papers estimate that lotto could earn up to $l5O million a year within three years of introduction. The report discounts assertions that lotto would have an adverse effect on the racing industry. “Australian experience shows their various lotto schemes have not made serious inroads into the T.A.8., bookmakers, or oncourse betting,” the papers said.

“They have found, however, that traditional lotteries like the Golden Kiwi are likely to more affected.” In Queensland, lotto attracted $74 million a year in its first two years, while its

golden Casket lottery turnover decreased from $45 million to $4l million a year, the papers said. “Lotto has become a verry good source of funds to the various state Governments,” the papers said.

“If lotto were introduced into New Zealand and effectively marketed an estimated turnover of $lOO to $l5O million could be achieved in three years. “You may wish to reexamine this area of activity.”

Two departmental investigations in 1978 and 1983 had supported the introduction of lotto, the papers said.

“If operated with imagination and integrity, lotto should be successful and not accompanied by harmful social side effects,” said the papers.