The Economic Times

'More loss than luck': West Bengal's lottery system faces public backlash before polls

As West Bengal gears up for elections, residents of Alipurduar's Falakata constituency are demanding a complete shutdown of the lottery system, citing it as exploitative and detrimental to the poor. Sellers and buyers alike describe a cycle of debt, addiction, and economic distress, with many losing significant amounts of money and some even resorting to suicide due to mounting pressure.