Ever since the TVK government came to power, there have been concerns whether banned lottery will make a comeback owing to the fact that TVK’s Aadhav Arjuna is the son-in-law of lottery baron Santiago Martin.
It is noteworthy that Tamil Nadu banned lottery sales years ago amid concerns over gambling addiction and financial exploitation. However, a news report has raised fresh questions over whether illegal lottery networks continue to operate across the state despite the ban.
The report indicates that illegal lottery sales are happening with full force across the state. The report was from Dharmapuri and shows people buying tickets from the sales agents who are seen advising the people about the slots.
படுஜோராக நடந்து வரும் கள்ள லாட்டரி விற்பனை.. கைது செய்யப்பட்டவர்கள் ஜாமீனில் வெளியே வந்து மீண்டும் அதே செயலில் ஈடுபடுவதால் நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க மக்கள் கோரிக்கை#Newstamil24x7 #IllegalLottery #CrimeNews #PoliceAction #PublicDemand pic.twitter.com/kRaTWza9LC
— News Tamil 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) June 17, 2026
The revelations have reignited public debate over the influence of lottery baron Martin and his family’s alleged political connections.
While no direct evidence has yet emerged linking the minister to the alleged activities captured in the sting operation, the development has fuelled political criticism and demands for a transparent investigation into whether banned lottery networks are once again gaining ground in Tamil Nadu.
Additionally, one must note that the Thoothukudi gang-rape victim was allegedly lured with the promise of a job by Srivaikuntam TVK MLA Saravanan who reportedly runs an extensive network involved in the sale of Nagaland-based lottery products through hundreds of WhatsApp groups across Tamil Nadu.
If illegal lottery sales are once again flourishing across Tamil Nadu despite a longstanding ban, is it merely an enforcement failure or evidence that powerful interests are operating with impunity?
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