THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF ADVANCED LEGAL

STUDIES

(A State University Est. by Act 27, 2005 of Kerala State Legislature)

Kalamassery, Kochi - 683503, Kerala

SKILL BASED LEARNING PROJECT - RESEARCH STUDY

SEMESTER 3

Submitted By:

Devika Pradeepan (1808)

B. A. LL. B. (Hons.),

The National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS).

Submitted To:

Mr. Hari S. Nayar

Assistant Professor

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 SYNOPSIS
The proposed topic for research is
“A SOCIO-LEGAL STUDY OF THE LOTTERY SYSTEM IN THE STATE OF
KERALA”

INTRODUCTION:
The system of lotteries, sanctioned as a legalized form of gambling, holds a unique role
within society, presenting individuals with an enticing opportunity for substantial financial
rewards based on luck. However, this mechanism conceals a convoluted interplay of socio-
economic factors and legal complexities. Within the state of Kerala, located in India, the
lottery system has not only gained widespread acceptance but has also given rise to crucial
socio-legal inquiries. The Kerala State Lotteries, established in 1967, was the first state to
introduce a lottery with the aim of generating non-tax revenue for the government and
providing employment opportunities to the unemployed. The lotteries are conducted by the
Kerala Government under the Lottery Department.

The Kerala lottery system operates through various weekly and bumper lotteries. Weekly
lotteries include draws like Win-Win, Sthree Sakthi, Akshaya, Karunya, Nirmal, and
Pournami, each having its draw on a specific day of the week. Bumper lotteries, on the other
hand, are special draws that occur on festive occasions or specific events, offering more
significant prizes. However, the lottery system also raises several socio-economic concerns.
Critics argue that it may lead to addiction and financial strain on individuals, particularly
those from lower-income backgrounds.

In recent years, efforts have been made to strike a balance between reaping the benefits of the
lottery system and addressing its potential negative effects. This research embarks on a
comprehensive socio-legal study, aiming to dissect the lottery system in Kerala and unravel
its various facets.

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OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:
This research study intends to look into and gain a well-rounded understanding of the issue
with regards to the lottery system in the state of Kerala. It is essential that such a topic be
approached, keeping in mind the social as well as legal aspects. The objectives and what this
research study aims to examine are listed as follows:

1. Assess the legal aspects of the lottery system in India, with emphasis on the
legalisation of the lottery system in Kerala and why it differs from the rest.
2. Analyse the need to strengthen or modify existing laws and policies surrounding the
lottery system in India and bring forth new laws and policies regarding the same,
wherever required.
3. Socio-economic implications of the lottery system in Kerala.
4. The changes the lottery system has brought on the lives of the sellers of lottery tickets
in Kerala.
5. The changes the lottery system has brought on the lives of the buyers of lottery tickets
in Kerala.

RESEARCH PROBLEMS:

1. Does the lottery system create an addictive and vicious cycle of gambling endorsed by
the agents?
2. What is the socio-economic implications of the lottery system?

HYPOTHESIS:

1. the lottery system can contribute to an addictive cycle of gambling for some
individuals due to its enticing nature and the hope of winning large sums of money.
2. the lottery system's socioeconomic effects are complex, disproportionately affecting
lower-income individuals and impacting livelihoods, with financial windfalls
potentially enhancing stability or straining relationships.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE:
As In this non-exhaustive literature review, we draw upon a range of scholarly works to gain
insights into the Kerala lottery system, including:
1. "Kerala State Lotteries - An Economic and Financial Evaluation" by Neelakandhan D,
a study conducted at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), which

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 provides valuable insights into the economic and financial aspects of Kerala State
Lotteries.
2. Divya George's thesis, "Gambling and Decision Making: A Study on Selected
Games," conducted at St. Thomas' College (Autonomous) Thrissur, University of
Calicut in 2020, which offers a perspective on the decision-making processes of
individuals engaged in gambling activities within Kerala.
3. The Ethics of Lottery Advertising: Issues and Evidence, James M. Stearns and
Shaheen Borna.
4. Raising Additional resources in States, R.K Bansal

5. Gambling addiction in India: Should psychiatrists care?, Sanju George, Roy Abraham
Kallivaylil, T. S Jaisoorya

This selection of works, while informative, is non-exhaustive, as the study encompasses a

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:
The research will be undertaken by employing the following research tools and methods: -

1. Questionnaires:
To collect responses from Lottery Vendors as well as buyers who are potential
victims of lottery addiction. These questionnaires may also be administered to
Sociologists, Psychologists, Government Officials and other relevant stakeholders
who might be able to potentially contribute newer perspectives to the issue at hand.
2. Personal and Telephonic Interviews:
To have a conversation with Lottery Vendors and Buyers who have been part of the
Lottery Sales Circuit for a considerable amount of time and gain reliable information
and real-life perspective on the reality of lottery sales and its consequences
3. State and Central Government Records, Reports and Statistics:
To gather objective and credible data on Lottery Sales and its socio-economic impact.
4. Existing Literature (News Articles, Research Papers and Scientific Journals):
To gain more insight into the subject matter and develop a nuanced understanding of
the same.

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CHAPTERIZATION:

1. General Overview
2. Introduction
3. Lottery System in India
4. Lottery System in Kerala - Doctrinal Research
5. Socio-economic implications
6. Analysis
7. Hypothesis Testing
8. Conclusion

CONCLUSION:
This research embarks on a thorough examination of the lottery system within Kerala, India.
Operating on the basis of chance for potential financial gains, the lottery system occupies a
distinctive space in society, intricately linked with socio-economic factors and legal
intricacies. The primary goal of this study is to unravel the distinctive attributes of the lottery
system, understand its socio-economic implications, and analyze its effects on both sellers
and buyers. The formulated hypotheses propose the possibility of an addictive gambling
cycle and underline the nuanced socio-economic impact, particularly on individuals with
limited financial means. Employing a varied set of data collection techniques, the
methodology ensures a structured exploration. The ultimate objective of this research is to
contribute to the ongoing discussions concerning lotteries, facilitating well-informed
decision-making and potential reforms in this sphere.

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