Panama's National Lottery plans tech upgrades to fight illegal sales

Panama's National Lottery (LNB) is embarking on a significant technological overhaul to address what its new director calls "worrying levels" of clandestine sales.

Isidro Carbonell, who recently took the helm, identified a "marked technological disconnection" within the institution, noting that many processes, including accounting and ticket vendor management, still rely heavily on physical documents. "The first thing we need to look at is the house," Carbonell stated, signaling an immediate focus on internal infrastructure.

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The first thing we need to look at is the house.

The LNB is already in the process of acquiring new servers and technology to bolster its systems and make operations more dynamic. Carbonell expects the initial technological changes to be noticeable before the end of the year. This modernization is seen as crucial to compete with clandestine operators who have readily adopted new technologies, using social media and bank accounts for sales.

Beyond technological upgrades, the LNB is intensifying its fight against illegal lottery sales, which Carbonell described as "total brazenness" that diverts state resources. The administration is also targeting practices like ticket resale and the rental of lottery booklets. While customer feedback suggests a desire for increased prizes, Carbonell cautioned that any adjustments must be carefully analyzed through financial formulas, as prize amounts are directly tied to the institution's revenue. Raising prizes could necessitate higher ticket prices, a move that might face buyer resistance. The director emphasized the need to balance the interests of buyers, vendors, and the lottery's financial sustainability.

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total brazenness