WHO wants to be a millionaire? Well, most people dream and wish to be one and of course, the easiest way is by winning a lottery.
Here, in Fiji, the lottery has become quite popular after Australian Tattslotto came to our shores some two decades ago.
Tattslotto outlets and agents are found in almost every town, today.
Some Fijians are regular players, indulging themselves in the commonly known games — Powerball or Saturday lotto but come festive season, more consumers fork out a lot of money hoping to win.
Many such consumers had purchased their Fiji Tattslotto ticket for $53million (to be drawn today), are counting on their lucky stars for good news. But a recent complaint investigated by the Consumer Council of Fiji has opened a can of worms, unveiling a crucial issue, which every individual or syndicate groups playing this lottery need to ask, “Have my numbers been entered into the Tattersalls online gaming system in Melbourne, Australia?”
If you think that the game you played gets recorded immediately via a direct link to Tattersall’s gaming system in Melbourne then you are wrong.
According to the consumer when he visited the agent to check his winning numbers, he was told that he had not won anything.
After checking the numbers manually, the complainant found that he won in fifth division prize pool of $4m. When he revisited the agent, he was told he couldn’t be declared a winner because his ticket was not in the Tattslotto computer system. The agent then advised him that his details would be fed in the next draw. The council noted the Fiji Tattslotto agent had not forwarded the numbers to the Tattersall’s online gaming system in Melbourne on time.
The agency did not send the transmission until Monday morning for a game already drawn on Saturday. When the consumer raised alarm over this, the Australian support team advised that if the customer returned claiming a win, the following disclaimer should be pointed out:
“This receipt does not constitute a valid game entry until accepted at the Tattersall’s online game system in Melbourne, Australia.”
They also advised that a refund can be offered if the customer did not wish to enter into the next draw. Why was such a disclaimer not printed on the receipts issued to consumers who played in Australia from different states?
This case has led the council to ponder on a number of critical questions:
* If a consumer pays a Fiji Tattslotto agent for a game, it is expected that his/her numbers will be fed into the Tattersall’s online gaming system in Melbourne on time for draw. If the numbers are not entered on time, who is responsible? And, how will the consumer ever find out whether his/her numbers were in the draw for the game paid for?
* Why should the consumer’s numbers go into next draw? That is not the game the consumer intended to play. Tattslotto agents are accepting payment without being able to supply services which are paid for.
* Does redress available to consumer as the disclaimer on receipt immune the Tattslotto agency of any obligation? If you think you can get redress from Tattersall’s Melbourne office then you must think twice as the terms and conditions provided by Tattersall, reads: “Tattersall’s shall not be responsible to any player or syndicate player for any neglect, omission, delay or failure on the part of a retailer to process any entry, syndicate entry or syndicate share otherwise than in accordance with these rules.”
* If agents fail to enter the numbers in a draw because of unforeseen circumstance such as power failure, internet failure, consumers can understand but why should consumers take the risk of paying for a lottery where they may not be in the draw. Why is there no cut-off time to allow for internal processes?
As far as consumers are concerned, transaction is complete after the exchange of money and holding a valid receipt for its payments. By hiding behind disclaimers does not make the Tattslotto efficient, accountable and transparent. The council is adamant that Fiji Tattslotto must amend its receipt to remove the disclaimer and disclose the terms and conditions of the game.
Consumers should also check their numbers manually after the draw and not rely on machines.
* This is a regular contribution from the Consumer Council of Fiji. Email: mediaofficer@consumersfiji.org for feedback.
