Panama's Lotería Nacional cracks down on clandestine lottery sales in Veraguas

The Lotería Nacional de Beneficencia carried out an inter‑institutional operation in Santiago de Veraguas, inspecting supermarkets, grocery stores and ticket sellers (billeteros) accused of selling official lottery tickets and chances above the authorized price. Director Isidro Carbonell said the inspections aim to detect irregularities, combat informal commerce and protect the agency’s revenue.

The Dirección General de Ingresos (DGI) simultaneously verified tax compliance, invoicing and use of authorized billing equipment. The lottery authority estimates that clandestine sales cost it about US$200 million each year, and the inspections will result in administrative sanctions for violators as part of a nationwide fiscalisation plan.