Lottery: Western Lotto Launched In Nigeria, Set To Generate N141.3bn Annually

Managing Director of Western Lotto Nigeria, Elvis Krivokuca, has said that the newly-launched company is entering the Nigerian gaming industry with a thrilling approach that involves the infusion of fun and excitement into the lottery experience.


Krivokuca stated this during the launch of Western Lotto Nigeria and the unveiling of its chain of  brand ambassadors in Lagos, recently.

The list of ambassadors for the Western Lotto Nigeria brand includes Nollywood actors Olu Jacobs, Zack Orji, Ramsey Nouah, Alex Usifo, Jide Kosoko, Osita Iheme. Also on the list are Nigerian music icons, 2face, Olamide and ace comedian AY.

Western Lotto Nigeria Limited also disclosed that lottery can generate over N141.3 billion annually for the development of Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking during the launch of the company in Lagos During the week, the Managing Director, Western Lotto Nigeria, Mr. Elvis Krivokuca, said the company seeks to create opportunities through extended value-chain of distributors, agents, business centres, portals, and several suppliers as well as wealth and empowerment of Nigerians.

Speaking on the choice of entertainers as brand ambassadors, Krivokuca affirmed that lottery was entertainment and Western Lotto is out to ensure Nigerians have fun while playing the games.

He said: “our explanation is centred on the nature of lottery as entertainment. Lotteries are number-based games of chance used mainly for entertainment, winning of prize and redistribution of wealth.  Western Lotto Nigeria offers Nigerians the opportunity to experience and play the famous Power Ball, Euro millions, Euro Jackpot, UK Lotto and Mega Millions games, with a chance of winning a jackpot of N15 million. With these brand ambassadors, we are telling Nigerians that lottery is fun and they should enjoy themselves while playing the games.”

Added to the entertainment touch, Western Lotto also launched with a mobile application.

He stated: “In South African, 82 percent of the population play the lottery at least once in a week. In 2012 alone expert put the lottery shares of funds to the country finances at about N141.3 billion. In same year, United Kingdom lottery made a significant contribution up to the sum of £2.2 billion which was used to host the 2012 London Olympics games.” “The stakes are very high in gambling. People bet with expensive items including houses, cars etc.

A lottery is a numbers game of chance for entertainment and reaction that carries much less risk. Also, gambling benefits only those directly involved; it is a winner takes all, whereas the proceeds of regulated lottery have been used to promote developmental causes in many countries. “Western Lotto is set up mainly to offer Nigerians the opportunity to win big. Beyond that, even when you are not winning, your funds are channelled towards good causes. We are already partnering with a number of foundations, one of which caters for women that are victims of rape.

The company further disclosed that plans were afoot to add an African and Nigerian-centric game to its offering. The new game which would be unveiled soon, will add a Nigerian touch to the Western Lotto lottery experience, while the society would benefit from the proceeds.

He continued, “Western Lotto is about you. It’s about that boy in Mushin, that girl in Maiduguri, about that madam in Yenagoa. It is 100% Nigerian. It’s a Nigerian initiative through and through. Your payments are in Naira. You can play and win in Naira. Western Lotto was set up mainly for two reasons: we want to offer Nigerians the opportunity to win big and also contribute towards good causes.

“We are partnering with organisations that cater for women who have been victims of rape.  We are going to partner with people that have problem furthering their education. Western Lotto will partner with government on health care and sporting foundations. Western Lotto is about Nigeria: it’s our game. Let’s embrace it, “said Director of Western Lotto Nigeria, Mr. Biodun Akintaju.

“We have decided to start from the known to the unknown: Power Ball, Euro millions, Euro Jackpot, UK Lotto, Mega Millions are all established games. We will allow Nigerians the opportunity of playing and winning in Naira. In the not too distant future, we are going to have a pan-African wholly run, played and payment made in Naira,” he added.

Veteran Nollywood Actor, Olu Jacobs, who spoke on the impact of lottery in a modern society said it would help correct some social ills in Nigeria says, “Many things have gone wrong in Nigeria. It’s nice to have Lotto ease the pressure. Most of us have played Lotto all over the world. I have some friends who play in London: at times with 10 to 20 pounds. I myself used to play when I was there. We didn’t kill ourselves doing it. Some people win because you have a good chance of winning. It is a delightful one with a surprise. I’m glad we have it here.”

Powerball is an American lottery game played every Wednesday and Saturday night.  Euro Millions is a transnational lottery. Its draws are held every Tuesday and Friday night. Euro Jackpot is a transnational European lottery launched in 2012. The goal is to match 5 correct numbers out of 50 plus another 2 supplementary numbers out of another 10.  UK Lotto also known as the National Lottery was launched in 1994. UK Lotto is played every Wednesday and Saturday, while Mega Million draws are held every Tuesday and Friday.