Lottery vendors in Costa Rica receive subsidy

1,600 vendors have received a $342,000 subsidy aimed at keeping the country’s lottery sector afloat during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Costa Rica.- Lottery vendors in Costa Rica have received part of a subsidy to assist them during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

At the end of March, the government’s Social Protection Board (JPS) announced it was going to financially support around 2,000 vendors.

The objective of the subsidy is to provide help to protect jobs in the lottery sector, giving $342,000 per month to each entity.

According to the JPS, 1,600 vendors have received the $342,000 subsidy which has been funded by the Board.

Lottery draws were suspended on March 24, with estimated losses around the $8.5million to date.

JPS President, Esmeralda Britton, said: “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. 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.”

Britton also revealed that 151 vendors did not input their information correctly when applying for the subsidy and could not be given it.

However, they have time to resubmit their form until April 14.

JPS has said that vendors will receive money until June if necessary. Plans beyond this timeframe have yet to be announced.