PRIME MINISTER DREW CHAMPIONS NATIONAL LOTTERIES AUTHORITY BILL TO KEEP MILLIONS IN THE FEDERATION

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts, July 31, 2025, (SKNIS) – Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, championed the passage of the National Lotteries Authority Bill, 2025, emphasising its transformative potential to retain an estimated EC$70 million in annual lottery revenue currently leaving the Federation.

The National Lotteries Authority Bill, 2025, establishes the National Lotteries Authority (NLA) as a body corporate, charged with managing all lottery operations within the Federation. It includes provisions for employment, social funding, regulatory compliance, and financial oversight. The Gaming Commission, under the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC), will continue as the chief regulator for all gaming activities, including oversight of the NLA.

In his address, Prime Minister Drew stated that the proposed NLA would establish a locally owned and professionally managed lottery system that prioritises transparency, accountability, and national development. He revealed that of the estimated EC$70 million generated by the current lottery operations annually, only EC$50,000 is paid to the Government — a situation he described as “shocking and unacceptable.”

“We are not talking about EC$7 million, but EC$70 million leaving our country each year,” Dr. Drew stated. “That is too much money leaving our Federation. This money can be kept here and help to further advance the lives of our people.”

The new system, under the NLA, is projected to channel EC$10–$15 million annually into critical social services, including the development of a National Health Insurance system and other social protection initiatives.

Dr. Drew noted that funds generated from the lottery will be set aside before any other spending, and will no longer be absorbed into general revenue. The Bill also mandates that all lottery winnings, procurement, and salaries remain within the Federation to stimulate domestic economic activity and job creation.

“This would create a brand new sector in Saint Kitts and Nevis, and this will help us to achieve many of our national goals, especially in the areas of social security,” the prime minister said. “A local subsidiary will be established. Approximately 20 nationals will be directly employed with many more receiving income as sales agents etcetera.”

Citing examples from Grenada, Saint Lucia, Dominica, Guyana, and others, Dr. Drew emphasised that nationalised lottery models have delivered measurable benefits, including funding for education, health, sports, and disaster relief.

“The model we are adopting is the same. These countries have shown that exclusive national lotteries can be run successfully with strong public benefit and local control,” Prime Minister Drew added.

With strong regulatory safeguards, transparent management, and guaranteed local reinvestment, the National Lotteries Authority Bill, 2025, represents a shift toward economic self-determination and greater equity for the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

-30-