The Social Protection Board (JPS) of Costa Rica has requested the deputies of the Security and Narcotics Commission to expedite the discussion and strengthening of the bill aimed at punishing the sale of illegal lottery games and other unauthorized gaming modalities in the country.
This refers to file 25.057, an initiative presented with the backing of 12 legislators and developed in conjunction with the JPS. The text proposes a comprehensive reform of the Lottery Law, which dates back to 1952.
The project proposes prison sentences of two to six years for those who organize or manage unauthorized lottery businesses, and fines of up to ten base salaries ranging from CRC 402,000 to CRC 2 million for those who participate in the sale of these illegal products.
According to the JPS, which is the only the entity officially authorized by the government of the Republic of Costa Rica to conduct lottery draws and lottery games, illegal activities are tied to organized crime, money laundering, and tax evasion, and pose a direct threat to state revenue.
During her appearance before the deputies, JPS Executive President Mariela Vargas Zúñiga warned that the institution loses about 52% of its potential income due to the proliferation of illegal gaming.
She reminded lawmakers that these funds are essential for social assistance and public health programs that rely on the contribution from the official lottery.
Legal advisor Marcela Sánchez emphasized the urgency of updating the existing law, which has “fallen short” in the face of new forms of digital fraud and criminal networks operating through online platforms.
Deputy Gilbert Jiménez, one of the proponents, stressed that the bill “protects citizens and ensures that resources reach those most in need.”
The proposal will continue to be studied within the Security and Narcotics Commission before passing to the Legislative Plenary, where it will be voted on in the first debate.
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The Social Protection Board (JPS) of Costa Rica has requested the deputies of the Security and Narcotics Commission to expedite the discussion and strengthening of the bill aimed at punishing the sale of illegal lottery games and other unauthorized gaming modalities in the country. This refers to file 25.057, an initiative presented with the backing…
The post Government to act against illegal lotteries in Costa Rica appeared first on G3 Newswire.