China lottery sales decline year-to-date

The Chinese Ministry of Finance has released figures showing that the nation’s lottery sales have declined 2.9 percent in the ten months ended November 30 2015 compared with the same period in 2014.

Lottery sales fell to 303.13 billion yuan (US$47.45 billion), according to a statement from the Ministry, which revealed that Welfare lottery sales decreased by 8 percent year-on-year, to RMB16.3 billion, while Sports lottery sales declined 0.3 percent to RMB14.9 billion.

Earlier this year the State Council of China took measures to reduce the amount of time required for the approval and administration of lottery sales and pay-outs, cancelling 62 central authorisation requirements and devolving responsibility to provincial finance departments.

The new and more decentalised system applies to existing games and not new products, which will still require central Ministry of Finance approval.

Online sales of lottery products remain suspended, with no indication yet on when the almost year-long “temporary” ban will be lifted..