Lottery games to be sold on Sundays, public holidays
Published:Wednesday | March 27, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Starting April, Supreme Ventures Limited will expand the days on which its games are available for purchase to include Sundays and public holidays.
The company has carved out two exceptions - Christmas Day and Good Friday.
SVL said a five-point tax increase on ticket sales has pushed it to find opportunities for growing revenue.
"The issue now is how to build sales on a Sunday. Obviously, there will be challenges for agents with the incremental cost to open, but it will also create additional employment, so it's just now to drive sales so as to offset those cost," said Brian George, chief executive officer of SVL.
"There will be several marketing initiatives to come as we roll out. We have been meeting with the agents and listening to concerns as we get them to sign on," he said.
Increases
In February, the Government announced increases in the gross profit tax on lottery ticket sales. In return, the Government granted a request by the company to allow the sale of lottery tickets on Sundays and public holidays to make up for the increased tax charges.
The tax measure takes effect April 1 and is to yield J$1.5 billion in annual revenue for the Government.
The changes in the gross profit tax rate will see the tax on Cash Pot, Lucky 5, Pick 3, instant games, Pick 2 and Pick 4 moving to 20 per cent, up from 17 per cent. The 23 per cent tax rate charged on Dollaz, Lotto and Super Lotto will move to 25 per cent.
SVL said there will be no changes in ticket prices, which starts at J$10 and ranges up to J$250.
"Although the Government will be increasing the lottery taxes, this will not affect the current prices of our games. The games are recreational and provide entertainment for many people, so we are happy to have the opportunity to generate more sales and winners with the extended days," said Sonia Davidson, vice-president, group corporate communications at SVL.
Cash Pot players will be offered a special promotion, where they will be given the chance to win J$320 for every $10 winning bet on Sundays during the month of April.
On a regular basis, players choose one number from 1 to 36 to place wagers of J$10 up to J$500. Players can win J$260 for every J$10 wager made, or 26 times the amount wagered.
Of its portfolio of 10 games Cash Pot is the biggest contributor to SVL's revenue - accounting last year for 63.6 per cent, or J$18.9 billion of the company's J$26.7 billion take.
SVL said it will now extend its four daily game draws to every day of the week. The draw times are 10:30 a.m.; 1 p.m.; 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.