Goa launches India’s First Fully Tech-Based Online Lottery

Panaji: The Government of Goa is set to launch India’s first fully tech-based online lottery, with the inaugural draw scheduled for November 24, 2024. Rhiti Sports has been awarded the license to market and sell Goa State Online Lotteries, branded as Great Goa Games. The platform aims to revolutionize the lottery industry by offering a paperless, transparent, and accessible experience for users across India.

Arun Pandey, Founder of Rhiti Group, expressed excitement about the launch, emphasizing the company’s commitment to democratizing opportunities through technology. He highlighted that Great Goa Games would offer a seamless and rewarding experience, bringing transparency and trust to the industry.

The online lottery platform, designed to be user-friendly, will cater to a diverse demographic, including the unskilled workforce, increasing participation across various socio-economic groups. The initiative also aims to tackle the issue of tax revenue loss (estimated at ₹2 lakh crore) and promote social responsibility through transparency in how proceeds are used.

The digital platform will also focus on responsible gaming with resources for users to learn about risks and rewards. Narayan Gad, Director of the Directorate of Small Savings and Lotteries, noted that the new system would streamline operations, enhance monitoring, and ensure better regulation of the industry.

Great Goa Games marks a significant shift from India’s traditional paper ticket-based lottery system, which remains prevalent in more than 10 states.