Guyana Lottery Company helping Guyanese to realise dreams for 28 years

THE Guyana Lottery Company (GLCL) was established in Guyana in early 1996 with the launch of Instant Ticket games, followed by the 3D daily numbers game in February 1997. The highly demanded “Lotto” game, now the Lotto Super game, was launched in May 1997. Since its inception 28 years ago, the company, through its various lottery games, has helped thousands of Guyanese to realise their dreams and has made a positive contribution to the social and economic landscape in Guyana. Additionally, the company has contributed billions of dollars to the national treasury, which has been used for the social and economic development of Guyana.
Recently, Pepperpot Magazine met with Kalima Ali, the newly appointed General Manager, to learn more about the lottery and its impact in Guyana. Ali explained that the company’s existence in Guyana goes beyond the lottery itself, and, over the years, it has contributed significantly to social projects in many areas to promote positive community engagements and socio-economic development.

She told Pepperpot Magazine that, while they do not conform to any designated charitable organisations, the company has supported good causes via community-based projects and educational needs, among others, as long as these fall within their policy governing donations. “We have assisted in breast cancer awareness, school projects via donations of trophies for top performers at exams, and towards libraries, orphanages, maternal and childcare health, sports activities, youth and community empowerment, care and socialisation for the elderly, among many other areas.”

Ali noted that because it is a lottery company, people often believe they have a lot of money to donate. She shared that she would be elated to respond to every request, but unfortunately, that is not possible. Nonetheless, she explained that through the winnings from various games, the biggest being the Lotto Super 6, many people’s lives have changed positively.

Most of the players who have won lottery prizes usually re-invest their winnings into enhancing their lives by paying off mortgages, debts, financing education for their children and families, buying homes and properties, and investing in businesses, among other things. This has allowed Guyanese to create a better standard of living for themselves, their families, and their communities with the purchase of just one ticket.
“This is what the lottery represents—an opportunity for many to realise their dreams and aspirations,” Ali explained.

The General Manager of GLCL highlighted that the company is very much interested in continuing to grow in Guyana and expand its community engagements and projects to support good causes. Through various marketing initiatives, the company has increased its outreach to communities, recently engaging with residents in Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara; Parika, East Bank Essequibo; New Amsterdam, Berbice; Canje; and Corentyne, where they were well-received and had positive engagements with the public.

The Guyana Lottery Company has become a household name to many and is seen as a trusted partner. Ali pointed out that these public interactions were beneficial, and they plan to visit far-flung and remote villages as they expand throughout Guyana.

The Guyana Lottery Company held its first public drawing on Wednesday, February 27, 2002, outside the then-Subway Fast Food outlet on Water Street, with hopes of holding more public drawings in the future.
She explained that just last Monday, the $37M jackpot winner walked into the company’s office to claim his prize. He started playing the Lotto at age 18 and finally became a winner. He indicated that he would use the money to pay off his mortgage and invest in his own business.

Ali added that this is just one of many success stories they have had with people who won and used the money to improve their lives and become debt-free, as well as raise their standard of living in many ways. There are many success stories of how winners have utilised their winnings to upgrade their lives and secure a bright future for themselves and their families. It would be interesting to connect with all past winners, she said.
The GLCL provides direct full-time employment for 60 staff at the head office on Lamaha Street and at their regional offices in Georgetown at the Guyana Post Office Corporation Building and in New Amsterdam, Berbice. Indirectly, the company employs more than 200 agents across the country who receive commissions on each of the games and products they sell.

Many business owners, especially small business owners, are interested in selling GLCL products as it boosts their business. Through its lottery products, GLCL promotes the businesses of many small business owners across the country who look forward to their sizable commissions on sales.

In addition, they have two Blast Centres for virtual lottery games and traditional lottery games, which cater to more tech-savvy customers. These are located at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, and at Enmore, East Coast Demerara.

Regarding unclaimed winnings, Ali said they do not touch those funds. She explained that they would advertise for winners to come forward as sometimes people are unaware they have won a prize or may have misplaced winning tickets. After a period, however, they cannot do anything further. She pointed out that they can only know where the winning ticket was purchased but cannot identify winners.

Ali told Pepperpot Magazine that playing the lottery is normal, and for the past 28 years, they have been doing business in Guyana. Agents and staff have become familiar with the regular players and others, and they do keep an eye on their gaming activities. She added that the company has very strict policies that are enforced to ensure responsible gaming, and tickets are only sold to persons 18 years and older.

Ali disclosed that since their debut in Guyana, 50% of their staff members still remain with the company, and the GLCL is a good place to work, as the environment is favourable, with priority placed on staff welfare and development.

Ali became the General Manager of GLCL on August 26, 2024. Prior to joining the GLCL, she held multiple high-ranking jobs in the public sector and international community, including roles at Global Affairs Canada, the Guyana Gaming Authority, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, and formerly the Government News Agency (GINA).

Ali has held top positions in these organisations for years, so she brings a mixture of both local and international experience and a clear standard to the GLCL. Her vision is the continued growth of the company by expanding its business operations, improving customer satisfaction, fostering good relations with all stakeholders, enhancing employee engagement, and giving back to the local economy.

Meanwhile, Marketing Manager, Donielle Barnes, added that the GLCL has always been at the forefront of contributing to society in a meaningful way, especially where communities are the main beneficiaries. She explained that they have a clear scope in engaging stakeholders and expanding their products across the country. Barnes stated that they remain committed to fostering good customer relations and staff engagement.