In September 2013, the State Excise and Lottery Enforcement Cell busted a single-digit lottery racket operating online and through SMSes in Ramanagara district and arrested a few persons. That was the last instance of the enforcement cell booking a case.
The cell could have investigated if the racket was widespread or had inter-State ramifications, but nothing was done. This is seen as a classic example of how authorities allegedly connived to let the trade thrive.
It is following such allegations that Chief Minister Siddaramiah took the decision to scrap the cell and hand over the task of cracking down on the lottery trade to the police.
However, officials fear it may be difficult to curb the illegal trade, which is estimated to be worth around Rs 100 crores per annum and is especially prevalent in the border districts of Mysuru, Madikeri, Chamrajnagar, Hubballi Dharwad, Belagavi and Karwar. Sources say that several other districts are being added to the list, including Bengaluru City.
What makes it difficult to crack down on the trade, according to police, is the fact that bets are usually placed and results announced on a daily basis through small grocery shops, milk booths, tea and pan shops, mobile phone shops. Shopkeepers see this as additional business.
As per the law, police can take action on the printed form of lotteries. They can book cases against the culprits under Section 78 (3) of the Police Act.
However, the operators of this illegal trade do not print lotteries at all; the operation is run through mobile phones or the internet, according to a senior police officer.