August 13, Colombo (LNW): An underground betting network linked to the daily results of Sri Lanka’s National Lotteries Board (NLB) and Development Lotteries Board (DLB) has expanded rapidly, raising concerns over its impact on families and communities.
NLB Chairman Cyril Anthony Perera highlighted the scale of the problem when officials from the two state lottery institutions appeared before the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE). He described the practice, commonly referred to as “Kotu Kepima”, as a major social concern, saying its seriousness was now comparable to that of several other forms of harmful addiction.
The illegal betting scheme is believed to have started in rural communities around four or five years ago, when wagers were generally limited to about Rs. 100. Since then, however, the operation has developed into a lucrative underground business, with individual betting pools reportedly reaching Rs. 100,000 in wealthier communities.
Participants typically choose a pair of digits from 0 to 9 and stake money on whether those numbers will correspond with the final two digits of the official lottery result for that day. The operation is reportedly organised through informal networks, including WhatsApp groups, which are used to circulate betting information and attract participants.
Officials told the committee that the size of the wagers differs considerably from one locality to another, depending on the economic activity of the area. In rice-producing regions such as Manampitiya, a particular number combination may attract bets worth around Rs. 30,000. In Ratnapura and other gem-trading areas, the sums involved can reportedly rise beyond Rs. 100,000.
The scheme has also been accompanied by misleading claims about how the official lotteries are conducted. According to the NLB, some operators have circulated messages suggesting that monthly lottery draws are held beforehand and that the results are subsequently disclosed on a daily basis. The genuine draws by the two lottery boards are conducted at approximately 7.30 p.m.
Perera warned that the consequences were extending well beyond gambling losses. He said some participants had reportedly sold or lost land and other valuable property after becoming trapped in the betting cycle, leaving families facing serious financial hardship.
The NLB has also received complaints from women who say their households have been affected by husbands becoming heavily involved in the illegal betting activity.
Perera told COPE that complaints about the racket had previously been brought to the attention of the Inspector General of Police, the State Intelligence Service and other relevant authorities. Despite those reports, he said, the problem had continued to spread.
The NLB chairman cautioned that allowing the operation to expand unchecked could create a wider economic and social burden, while also undermining the legitimate lottery industry and the revenue generated by the state-run lottery boards. The issue has consequently emerged as a matter requiring stronger enforcement as well as greater public awareness about the financial risks associated with the illegal betting network.
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