Future Gaming and Hotel Services Private Limited
Future Gaming and Hotel Services Private Limited, headed by Santiago Martin, who is widely recognized as the “lottery king,” has recently come under intense scrutiny due to its involvement in the electoral bonds scheme. According to recent disclosures by the Election Commission, the company has purchased electoral bonds worth a staggering ₹1,368 crore between the period of October 2020 and January 2024. This revelation has not only drawn attention to the significant financial clout wielded by the company but has also raised eyebrows given its controversial history and ongoing legal troubles.
Originally established as Martin Lottery Agencies Ltd, the company started its operations in Tamil Nadu, primarily engaged in the printing and selling of lottery tickets. Over time, it expanded its footprint to other states such as Kerala, Karnataka, and eventually to the northeastern region of India. Despite its growth and purported success, Future Gaming and Hotel Services Private Limited has been no stranger to legal entanglements.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the Income Tax department have all kept a close watch on the company for several years. Their investigations have delved into allegations of financial impropriety and malfeasance, particularly concerning its lottery operations.
In one significant instance, the CBI initiated probes in 2011 into multiple cases related to Sikkim lotteries. It alleged that Santiago Martin and his associates illicitly profited to the tune of ₹910 crore between April 2009 and August 2010 by defrauding the state government. The investigations revealed purported agreements between Martin and Sikkim officials, allegedly crafted to allow the manipulation of the state lottery system, leading to substantial gains for the accused parties.
The ED subsequently launched its own inquiry into potential money laundering activities associated with Future Gaming and Martin, based on the CBI’s findings. The ED’s investigations unearthed further evidence of wrongdoing, including the illegal retention of unsold lottery tickets and the diversion of proceeds for unauthorized purposes, all allegedly orchestrated by Martin and his associates. Property attachments worth ₹119 crore, including Martin’s flats and plots, were made as a result of these investigations.
The company’s troubles did not end there. In May 2019, the Income Tax department conducted raids on approximately 70 premises linked to Martin, his associates, and associated companies. These raids were conducted on suspicions of tax evasion, adding another layer of legal complexity to Future Gaming’s already troubled history.
Despite the ongoing legal battles and investigations, Future Gaming and Hotel Services Private Limited has maintained its prominence in the Indian lottery industry. The company’s website proudly boasts of its leading position in the sector, citing an impressive turnover of over $2 billion. However, the shadow of legal scrutiny continues to loom large over the company, with multiple agencies closely monitoring its activities.
It’s essential to note that while the company’s substantial investment in electoral bonds may raise questions, officials have cautioned against directly linking this activity to the ongoing investigations. They assert that the scrutiny from the CBI, ED, and Income Tax department primarily revolves around the company’s alleged irregularities in the lottery business and should not be conflated with its participation in the electoral bonds scheme.
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Neeraj Tiwari 
Ashish Bajpai