Lottery vendors in Costa Rica have received $342,000 in subsidies after draws in the country were suspending from March 24.
According to the country’s Social Protection Board (JPS), 1,600 vendors received the subsidy funded with resources from the board. Since lottery draws were suspended last month, estimated losses have passed $8.5m.
Esmeralda Britton, president of the JPS, had explained that the board understands that shutting down operations for two weeks affects vendors’ finances, and the board “can’t leave them without income.”
“We had great concerns for the families of the people who work in the Costa Rican lotteries. With solidarity and in a legal context, the JPS has honoured its word,” she said .
The president revealed that 151 vendors did not deliver their information correctly and could not receive the subsidy. However, they have time to do so before April 14. The project from Deputy Erwen Masís aims to assist independent vendors, with the only condition needed to meet requirements being that lottery sellers must be active in the system.
“This is our way to say thank you to those who sell our products every day in Costa Rica and help carry out social work programs aimed to contribute to those in vulnerable conditions.”