The National Lottery Authority (NLA) says the payment of winning tickets after every draw would slightly delay for a number of days due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement signed by the Public Relations Unit of NLA, it explained that this is due to the employees of the Authority currently running a shift system due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

It said in as much as the Authority is willing to satisfy the staking public, lotto discounters and other stakeholders it is equally important for it to also take pragmatic steps to protect the lives their employees as the country records spike in cases.

The Authority is appealing to the staking public, lotto discounters and LMCs to cooperate with as this will change soon.

The statement said it has also become very imperative for the Authority to properly investigate winning tickets before the payment due to the rising activities of lotto fraudsters in the lottery industry.

It said the decision by NLA to do due diligence, thorough investigation and validation of winning tickets would definitely affect the timelines for payment. 

"From the above stated reasons, we are humbly urging the staking public, lotto discounters and LMCs to promptly register their Winning Tickets at the nearby Regional and District Offices of the NLA or the Authority's Head Office for investigation and validation before payment," the statement added.

It said, "We are passionately appealing to the staking public, lotto discounters and LMCs to exercise restrain with the process so that collectively we can transform the lottery industry.