After Governor’s Nod, Lotteries To Return To Himachal After 3 Decades

Shimla: Lotteries are all set to return to Himachal Pradesh after a gap of 30 years.Following the Governor's approval, the Directorate of Treasuries, Accounts, and Lotteries has notified the lottery rules. These rules have been designated as the Himachal Pradesh State Lottery (Regulation) Rules, 2026.Lottery operations in Himachal will begin immediately after the new rules are notified. Under the established regulations, the organisation, promotion, and conduct of lotteries in Himachal Pradesh will remain exclusively with the government. The lottery will be administered and managed through a director and a designated authority, with the headquarters for the entire process located in Shimla.The government will be authorised to operate paper lotteries, online lotteries, or both, within and outside the state. For each lottery scheme, details such as ticket price, prize structure, draw date and time, number of tickets, and other necessary conditions will be notified in advance.The new state government rules also include stringent provisions regarding the printing of lottery tickets. Tickets must be printed only at government-owned or authorised high-security printing presses. Each ticket will bear the government logo, seal, a unique number, the draw date, and the maximum retail price (MRP). The design and format of the tickets will be finalised with the director's approval. Special security measures will be implemented to prevent the circulation of counterfeit tickets and to ensure authenticity.Provisions have been made for a central computer server and a digital monitoring system to facilitate online lottery operations. Records of all online transactions, ticket sales, and prize-related information will be securely maintained. The responsibilities of distributors, sales agents, and their networks have been clearly defined. They are required to submit full details regarding sales, prize distribution, and unsold tickets to the directorate within a specified timeframe.Rules governing the payment of prize money have also been established. Winners must submit a claim form, the original winning ticket, a photograph, an affidavit, an identity proof, and other requisite documents. The government will make payments for all valid prize claims. If a prize is not claimed within the stipulated timeframe, the amount will be treated as an unclaimed prize and disposed of in accordance with the rules.