What Happened
Panama’s National Charity Lottery has stopped commercializing its instant lottery and electronic lottery products, including Lotto and Pega 3, after a ruling by the Supreme Court of Justice declared the latest contract addendum null and illegal.
The suspension took effect on the night of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, after the regular drawing for that date was held. The move follows a decision by the Third Chamber of the court on April 13, which invalidated Addendum No. 5 to Contract No. 2013(9)08, originally signed on March 13, 2013, between the lottery institution and Scientific Games, LLC.
Why the Games Were Suspended
At the center of the ruling was an extension of the concession’s term by 10 years. By annulling the addendum, the court effectively removed the legal basis for the continued commercialization of the Lotto and Pega 3 products under that agreement.
The lottery’s decision brings an immediate end to the sale of these games while the institution adjusts its operations to comply with the court order. The measure affects a segment of the lottery’s electronic and instant-product lineup that had become part of its regular offerings in Panama.
What Happens to Prizes
The lottery said it will guarantee payment of prizes that were validly issued and remain unclaimed, following the terms, conditions, and procedures established for each product. That commitment is intended to protect winners who already hold eligible tickets from the discontinued games.
For players, the immediate practical effect is that Lotto and Pega 3 are no longer being marketed in the same way they were before the ruling. The suspension also underscores how decisions from Panama’s highest court can directly reshape state-linked commercial activities.
Broader Context
The National Charity Lottery is one of Panama’s best-known public institutions, with a long history of drawing public attention because of its role in state revenue and prize distribution. The end of Lotto and Pega 3 marks a significant operational change for an institution whose games have been widely recognized by Panamanians.
The case also highlights the legal scrutiny surrounding public contracts and concessions in Panama, especially when long-term extensions are involved. With the court declaring the addendum void, the lottery must now operate within the limits set by the original legal framework and the ruling issued by the Third Chamber.