The Chamber of Official Lottery Agencies of the City of Buenos Aires (CAOLBA) has shared a letter addressed to local and national authorities in which it expresses its concerns about the crisis that arises as a result of the pandemic.
According to CAOLBA, the situation has been aggravated by the restrictions that agencies have been subject to: “Saturdays are very important in these days of such low revenues,” said Diego D’Agostino, President of the Chamber.
The letter was addressed to Governor Horacio Rodriguez Larreta, President of the Legislature Diego Santilli, Minister of Finance Martin Mura, Minister of Economic Development and Production José Luis Giusti, President of LOTBA Martin Garcia Santillan and National Chief of Staff Santiago Cafiero.
“Operating costs keep increasing, the vast majority of agencies have between one and two employees and [they have to cover] expenses, social charges and personal life insurance. Hundreds of families and around 3,000 direct and indirect jobs depend on lotteries,” D’Agostino said.
Furthermore, the president stressed that lottery agencies have been affected by the monthly payment of credits that they were granted in 2020 when the shops were closed.
“Also, we have been subject to tax moratoriums that if not paid, would lead us to a non-compliance issue that would hurt us,” he added.
“We consider that the more than 1200 agencies that we represent make an important contribution to the Government of the City of Buenos Aires and Argentina since there is a percentage of the revenue directed to social causes that in times of crisis is very important,” the president said.
“Everything that is collected from this activity is absolutely registered, it generates gross income and other national taxes that are necessary for the public treasury.”
