Belize Government Lotteries Conduct Test Draw for Boledo Launch

The Belize Government Lotteries Limited conducted the first test draw of the Boledo yesterday.  It brings the new Boledo system one step closer to its launch, tentatively set for September.  According to Prime Minister John Briceno, the equipment have already been acquired, and they are currently ensuring a smooth operation before having the official launch.

Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “The delay has been simply because we want to do it right. We tried to work very closely with the previous company for more than a year, calling them out, pointing out the deficiencies, areas where they are not meeting the conditions of the license. And so when we finally made the decision to cancel we could not have had anything in place because had we had done that then their attorney would say, well it was your intentions from day one to cancel the Boledo. So we didn’t do anything. We just waited, trying to work with them. So after that, well, it has been a lengthy process, because we want to do it right. We want to ensure that whatever is done that the Belizean taxpayers and in this case we hope that most of that money will be able to go to the National Health Insurance. So we hope,  I am told that the bids have been in and that they opened the bids I think this week. I’ve not gotten a briefing from CEO Garcia but I’m supposed to get that hopefully next week. So I see within the next week or two that the announcements are going to be made. And I know we’ve ordered equipment. We’ve ordered the machines that will be used. The program I think has been ready and I think they’ve been testing it to ensure that it can work well and that cannot be hacked so easily. So we’re doing it right and that’s what’s important.”

The Boledo game under Brad’s Gaming Company was brought to a halt in April followed by plans by the government to use the proceeds to fund programs in health and education.