Wednesday, Nov 01, 2023 00:00 [IST]
Last Update: Wednesday, Nov 01, 2023 07:24 [IST]
Lotteries in India date back to the Vedic times. During those days, people would play it wholeheartedly and wager things like land, gold, gems and stones, and even their homes. It has been deeply intertwined with festive celebrations and local traditions. Tales related to lotteries have become part of India’s folklore. The way lottery is played has evolved in today’s times with players like Sikkim Lottery Online playing a major role and making it accessible to the masses. In this article, let’s take a look at what brought about this shift from paper tickets sold at local stores to sophisticated online platforms.
Changing the face of lotteries:
It was the British who revived the lottery system in India and took it to all parts of the country. They introduced events like cockfights, elephant and canine races, and different kinds of animals and birds fighting or racing against each other. With this, they introduced the tradition of raising funds for civic development. As of today, a total of 13 states operate lotteries in India. It amounts to a substantial share of their revenue, which can be used to fund important services like health care and education. The central government has given state governments the authority to form their respective policies regarding lotteries. States such as Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Sikkim have legalised it.
Contribution of technology:
With technology touching all spheres of life, it was a matter of time before it caught up with lotteries as well. Recognizing the potential of the online medium, states began to adapt. They merged the age-old love for lotteries with today's digital conveniences, creating user-friendly platforms that were easier to navigate. Things shifted from offline to online, which gave people from all over the country, including the states that hadn’t regulated it, access to lotteries. All geographical constraints were removed. People could play from the comforts of their homes. It also gave them an additional sense of security as transactions were monitored and payments required proper authentication. The rise of convenient digital payment systems like GPay, PayTM, PhonePay, etc. further helped the cause. Things became more transparent and people no longer had to wait for too long to receive their prize money.
Conclusion:
The essence of lotteries in India remains unchanged – a blend of hope, luck, and cultural significance. What's evolved is the medium, with online platforms rejuvenating this age-old game, making it more accessible and trustworthy for a new generation of Indians.