BTN News: The Dominican Republic’s La LoterÃa Electrónica Internacional Dominicana, widely known as Leidsa, recently announced a significant price adjustment for its popular lottery products: Loto, Más, and Súper Más. This decision comes after nearly two decades of price stability, driven by the rising value of the U.S. dollar against the Dominican peso. For the first time in 16 years, the cost of participating in these lottery games will increase, reflecting the economic pressures that have built up over time. This move is particularly noteworthy given Leidsa’s long-standing commitment to maintaining accessible pricing for its participants.
The new pricing structure will see the basic Loto game, which involves selecting six numbers, increase from 30 pesos to 50 pesos. Similarly, the Más option, which was previously priced at 20 pesos, will now cost 50 pesos. The Súper Más option, which has been a favorite for those seeking larger jackpots, will double in price from 50 pesos to 100 pesos. For those who opt for the complete package of Loto, Más, and Súper Más, the total cost will now be 200 pesos. This adjustment is set to take effect on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
Leidsa’s decision to increase prices is rooted in the financial realities of operating within an economy where the dollar’s exchange rate has seen significant upward movement over the years. In a press release, Leidsa highlighted that this is only the third time in its 27-year history that such a price adjustment has been made. The last change occurred in 2008, when the price of the Loto increased from 25 pesos to 30 pesos, at a time when the dollar exchange rate was 33.61 pesos to one dollar, equivalent to 75 U.S. cents per play.
Today, the exchange rate hovers around 60 pesos to one dollar, meaning that the current price of 30 pesos per Loto play is equivalent to just 50 U.S. cents. This represents a significant decrease in value when compared to the 2008 pricing, which Leidsa points out is well below the global average for this type of cumulative lottery game.
The company also emphasized that despite the fluctuations in the exchange rate, it has absorbed the increased costs over the years to avoid passing them on to consumers. These costs are directly tied to the operational expenses of partnering with international suppliers and technological platforms such as Inspired, Scientific Games, and Smartplay, all of which require payments in U.S. dollars. These partnerships are crucial for processing daily operations, including game management, administration, and ongoing technical support, ensuring the reliability and fairness of Leidsa’s lottery offerings.
This price adjustment marks a new chapter in Leidsa’s history, as the company seeks to balance the need for financial sustainability with its mission to offer life-changing prizes to its participants. As the economic landscape continues to evolve, Leidsa’s commitment to providing a world-class lottery experience remains unwavering, even as the cost of participation adjusts to reflect the realities of the global economy.
