Lottery vendors back bill to make clandestine sales a crime

Panama's National Assembly is considering a bill that would make the clandestine sale of lottery tickets a criminal offense, a move largely supported by authorized lottery vendors and some buyers. The proposed legislation aims to curb illegal sales that undermine the National Benefit Lottery (LNB) and authorized sellers.

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One has to be transparent with the State. We pay taxes and others do not. Anyone can manipulate people by offering prizes without any kind of registration.

The bill, introduced by Deputy Roberto Zúñiga, outlines penalties of four to six years in prison for illicit sales exceeding $5,000, with sentences increasing to six to eight years if aggravating factors are present. Supporters believe this will create a more equitable market and protect the integrity of the LNB, which funds social welfare programs.

Buyers backing the proposal cited concerns about unfair competition and the lack of transparency in clandestine sales. "One has to be transparent with the state. We pay taxes and others do not. Anyone can manipulate people by offering prizes without any kind of registration," stated one buyer.

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We are seeking jail time for this crime. We ask the deputies to support this initiative because we are living through the worst moments of the National Lottery.

Lottery vendors have expressed strong support, reporting significant drops in their sales due to the illegal market. "We are seeking jail time for this crime. We ask the deputies to support this initiative because we are living through the worst moments of the National Lottery," said one vendor. Another added that illegal sales are "destroying the National Lottery" and creating unfair competition.

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The lottery is about to go bankrupt. Nothing is sold because the clandestine sellers are destroying the National Lottery. It is unfair competition.