Just days before the highly anticipated final draw of the Lotteria Italia, news broke of the theft of a substantial batch of tickets, raising concerns amid increasing interest and participation. This year's drawing is set to take place on January 6, 2024, coinciding with the Epiphany, with the tickets linked to the first five major prizes being revealed during the special broadcast of Rai1's program, "Affari Tuoi".
The Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (Agency of Customs and Monopolies) announced the theft, which occurred just before the tickets were due to be delivered to various sale points. Responding swiftly, the agency issued official notice to announce which tickets had been canceled as they were identified as stolen, stating: "A package of Lotteria Italia tickets was stolen before it could be delivered to sales points." This included the tickets with code 239733, series M, numbered from 294641 to 294660, meaning they cannot be used for prize claims.
Not only does this incident cause concern, but it also highlights the soaring interest from the public surrounding the Lotteria Italia. According to data, about 8.6 million tickets have been sold this year, marking a significant increase from last year’s 6.7 million ticket sales. Particularly impressive is the performance from Lombardy, which accounted for 41% of all ticket sales, surpassing even Lazio, which has historically been second place. The total sales numbers reflect the enduring popularity and cultural significance of the lottery throughout Italy.
Agipronews reports, "Approximately 8.6 million tickets were sold, compared to 6.7 million last year; 41% of these tickets were sold in Lombardy." This growing trend suggests not only increased participation but also reveals the emotional and cultural ties Italians have with this traditional lottery.
The final draw will award several major prizes, with the first-place winner receiving an eye-popping €5 million, alongside numerous other second and third-tier prizes. The specific amounts and number of these prizes will be determined by the revenue generated from ticket sales and disclosed through the designated commission.
The substantial increase in sales also reflects initiatives like "Disegniamo la fortuna," aimed at young artists with disabilities, featuring their original works on the tickets. This has contributed to the lottery becoming not just a gambling event but also a celebration of creativity and inclusivity.
While the theft may overshadow some of the positive narratives of the Lotteria Italia, the resilience shown by organizers and participants is particularly noteworthy. With the upcoming drawing, the excitement is palpable across the nation as hopes and dreams are pinned on the outcome.
Overall, the Lotteria Italia continues to evoke joy and anticipation, marked by this year's record-breaking ticket sales, albeit tempered by the recent theft. With just days to go, everyone is waiting to see who will emerge victorious as the new lottery millionaire.