Kerala State Lotteries

Kerala State Lotteries is a lottery programme run by the Government of Kerala. Established in 1967, under the lottery department of the Government of Kerala, it is the first of its kind in India.

In 1967 all private lotteries were banned and the Government of Kerala started the Kerala State Lotteries. The idea behind the setup of the new department was from the then Finance Minister of the state, P. K. Kunju. He had earlier experience of conducting lottery when he was the chairman of Kayamkulam MSM Trust. The objectives of starting the programme were to provide employment to people and supplement government finance without disturbing the public. In addition to the role played by the government, K. Janardhanan Nair was a key figure in the early growth and popularisation of the Kerala State Lotteries. He is widely regarded as the first authorised agent and the first individual to operate an independent lottery stall, helping take the programme directly to the public. Through his efforts, the lottery system gained visibility across Kerala, contributing significantly to its widespread acceptance.

Janardhanan Nair also acted as a representative of lottery agents, advocating for fair treatment and equitable distribution of benefits among sellers. He made formal submissions to the government on matters related to the welfare of lottery agents and vendors, focusing on employment security and working conditions. In recognition of his contributions to the development of the lottery system, he was honoured by the Government of Kerala during the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Kerala State Lotteries. Owing to his role in organising, expanding, and professionalising the lottery trade, he is often referred to as the “Father of the modern Kerala lottery.”.

As of 2021, the department now has more than 500 employees under its Directorate located at Vikas Bhavan at Thiruvananthapuram, 14 District Offices, 21 sub lottery offices and a Regional Deputy Directorate at Ernakulam. There is also an office of Regional Deputy Director for Audit in Kozhikode. The department which was initially under the Department of Finance was later brought under the Taxes Department.

The Kerala State Lotteries include seven weekly lotteries in a week, a monthly draw each month and 6 Bumper Lotteries in a year.