In a move towards modernising India’s lottery sector, the state of Goa has introduced an entirely online lottery platform, sanctioned by the Directorate of Small Savings and Lotteries. This initiative, known as Great Goa Games, aims to bring transparency and convenience to an industry that has long grappled with allegations of mismanagement and fraud.

Ticket sales commenced Monday, with the inaugural draw set for Sunday. Rhiti Group, led by founder Arun Pandey, was granted the license to operate and market the platform. “Our mission is to democratize opportunities through technology,” Pandey stated, emphasizing the secure and user-friendly nature of the app-based system.

Goa government official Narayan Gad lauded the move as a step forward for the Indian lottery sector. “With our online lottery streamlining processes through technology, we are setting a new standard in the lottery industry,” Gad remarked. “The technology-based product will enhance transparency and ensure improved monitoring and regulation of operations.”

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This development follows new rules governing online lotteries, introduced by the Goa directorate in February 2023. Currently, 13 states in India, including Goa, allow lottery games, though others have banned them due to concerns over gambling addiction and operational irregularities.

Catena Media’s board of directors announced the appointment of Stephen Taylor-Matthews as non-executive director and the departure of Øystein Engebretsen from the board of directors.

Based in London, Stephen Taylor-Matthews is a tech entrepreneur, executive advisor and investor with over two decades of experience in online gaming, sports betting and data analytics.

He is the founder of Polynate, an AI-first company delivering next-generation sports engagement solutions, and has worked at Underdog Fantasy, GoatGaming and Betgenius in previous roles.

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Stephen Taylor-Matthews commented: “Catena Media is in a transformation phase and I’m excited to be joining the board at this juncture and to contributing my industry expertise and insight.”

The appointment coincides with the departure from the board of Øystein Engebretsen, who has served as non-executive director since September 2018.

Erik Flinck, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said: “Øystein has made a valuable and important contribution to Catena Media for more than six years. I warmly thank him for his efforts and wish him well in his current and future ventures. At the same time, I am delighted to welcome Stephen Taylor-Matthews to the board. His experience and expertise will be a valuable asset for Catena Media as we move forward.”

Stephen Taylor-Matthews’ appointment will become effective once all necessary filings are made with the Malta Business Registry, and his term will run up until the end of the next annual general meeting, in accordance with the Maltese Companies Act and Catena Media’s articles of association.