Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh Lottery Comeback: State Issues Draft Rules to Revive Lottery System After 28 Years
Himachal Pradesh has moved closer to reviving its state lottery system after nearly three decades. The government has issued draft lottery rules for 2026, aiming to generate around ₹100 crore annually through paper and online lottery schemes.
Himachal Pradesh has moved closer to reviving its state lottery system after nearly three decades. The government has issued draft lottery rules for 2026, aiming to generate around ₹100 crore annually through paper and online lottery schemes.
Himachal Pradesh Moves Closer to Reviving State Lottery After Nearly Three Decades
Shimla, June 5: In a significant policy move aimed at boosting state revenue, the Himachal Pradesh government has issued draft regulations for the revival of its state lottery system, nearly 28 years after it was discontinued.
The draft notification for the Himachal Pradesh State Lottery (Regulation) Rules, 2026 was released on Thursday by the Directorate of Treasuries, Accounts and Lotteries. Once approved by the state Cabinet, the new rules will officially pave the way for the reintroduction of government-run lotteries across Himachal Pradesh.
The proposed framework has been prepared under the provisions of the Lotteries (Regulation) Act, 1998 and outlines detailed guidelines for conducting, regulating, and monitoring lottery operations in the state.
Both Online and Paper Lotteries Proposed
According to the draft rules, the state plans to introduce both paper-based and online lottery schemes. To ensure transparency and public trust, lottery draws will be conducted under judicial supervision, with appointed judges overseeing the process.
The government has also proposed several safeguards to regulate operations:
- A maximum of 24 lottery draws can be conducted in a single day.
- Six bumper lottery draws will be allowed annually in addition to regular draws.
- Lottery draws will not be held on national holidays.
- The minimum ticket price will be ₹2.
- Every ticket must clearly display the date and timing of the draw.
Officials say these measures are designed to ensure accountability and maintain the credibility of the lottery system.
Prize Money May Go Up to ₹5 Crore
One of the biggest attractions of the proposed lottery scheme is the prize structure. As per the draft notification, lottery prizes could range from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 crore, depending on the scheme.
To prevent counterfeiting and fraud, lottery tickets will be printed only at government printing presses or at high-security presses approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Cabinet Sub-Committee Prepared the Framework
The draft rules are the outcome of months of deliberations by a Cabinet sub-committee formed on February 19. The committee was chaired by Industries and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan and included Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh and Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani.
After reviewing lottery models operating in other Indian states, the committee submitted its recommendations to the state Cabinet, which subsequently cleared the proposal for further action.
Why Is Himachal Pradesh Bringing Back Lotteries?
The state government is facing increasing financial challenges and is exploring new sources of non-tax revenue. Officials estimate that the revival of the lottery system could generate nearly ₹100 crore annually for the state’s exchequer.
During discussions on the proposal, the Finance Department highlighted the success of lottery programs in other states. Government data showed that:
- Kerala generated over ₹13,582 crore through its lottery system.
- Punjab earned approximately ₹235 crore.
- Sikkim generated around ₹30 crore.
These figures reportedly strengthened the case for reintroducing lotteries in Himachal Pradesh.
A Return After Nearly 28 Years
Himachal Pradesh stopped operating its own lottery system during the 1998-99 financial year. Although lottery tickets from states such as Assam, Sikkim, and Manipur continued to be sold in Himachal for several years afterward, the state eventually imposed a ban on their sale in 2004.
If the Cabinet approves the newly proposed rules, Himachal Pradesh will witness the return of government-regulated lotteries for the first time in almost three decades.
What Happens Next?
The draft notification is expected to be placed before the state Cabinet in its upcoming meeting. Once approved, the government will begin the process of implementing lottery operations, selecting service providers, and establishing regulatory mechanisms.
With revenue generation emerging as a key priority, the revival of the lottery system could become one of Himachal Pradesh’s most closely watched financial policy decisions in 2026.
