VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam Lottery Company (Vietlott), the organizer of American-style lottery game Mega 6/45, reported revenue of VND1.6 trillion (US$70.3 million) last year, VnEconomy reports.

Illustrative image -- File photo

Vietlott’s revenue stood at a mere VND8.7 billion in the first six months of 2016, leading the firm to incur losses of VND4 billion. However, in the following months, the company saw its revenue jump by hundreds of times. In particular, its revenue in the second half of last year was 183 times higher than in the first half.

The drastic change in the company’s revenue began when Vietlott cooperated with the Berjaya Group of Malaysia to launch the Mega 6/45 lottery game on July 18.

Vietlott paid VND334 billion (VND14.6 million) to the budget of provinces and cities where it operates. In addition, eight jackpot winners also paid VND56.7 billion (VND2.4 million) in personal income tax to the State.

As of the end of last year, the total value of prize money won was over VND820 billion (US$36 million), including VND765 billion of Mega 6/45, VND510.9 billion of eight jackpots and VND55 billion of Max 4D.

Some 12 provinces and cities have seen this lottery game made available, namely Hanoi, HCMC, Can Tho, Danang, Haiphong, An Giang, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Khanh Hoa, Daklak and Quang Ninh.

The company has over 2,000 points of sale, and 24 agents, creating jobs for around 4,000 people all over the country.

The value of each Mega 6/45 is at least VND12 billion (US$527,611). The money will be accumulated continuously with increasing price value until the winner is found.

Earlier, the Ministry of Finance said revenues of the Vietnamese lottery industry are expected to reach VND75,000 billion (US$3.3 billion).

SGT