Friday, February 13, 2026, turned out to be an electrifying day for lottery enthusiasts across Kerala, as the much-anticipated Suvarna Keralam SK-40 and Karunya Plus KN-610 draws unfolded at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala State Lottery Department, renowned for its transparency and government oversight, once again drew crowds and online followers eager to see if their ticket would be the one to change their fortunes.
Kerala’s state-run lottery system, established in 1967, has long been a model for legal, transparent, and socially impactful gaming in India. According to ABP Live, the original purpose was to provide employment, raise funds for social welfare without increasing taxes, and eliminate illegal lottery rackets. The initiative, led by then Finance Minister P. K. Kunju, has since inspired similar systems in other Indian states, with Kerala’s approach earning a reputation for openness and public trust.
The day’s excitement began with the Karunya Plus KN-610 draw. As reported by News18, the first prize of ₹1 crore was clinched by ticket number PU 235001, sold in Palakkad by agent Gokul Das G (Agency No.: P 4298). The second prize of ₹30 lakh went to PV 125607, and the third prize of ₹5 lakh was awarded to PR 115049. Live updates streamed the sequential announcement of winning numbers across all prize tiers, with participants glued to their screens or gathered at local agent shops, hoping to see their numbers called. Winners were advised to verify their tickets against the official list published on Kerala Lottery websites or the Kerala Government Gazette, ensuring accuracy before making any claims.
But the day’s lottery action didn’t end there. The Suvarna Keralam SK-40 draw, one of Kerala’s seven weekly lotteries, was scheduled for 3 pm at the same venue. According to Mathrubhumi, the SK-40 draw offered a first prize of ₹1 crore, a second prize of ₹30 lakh, and a third prize of ₹5 lakh, with additional prizes ranging from ₹5,000 down to ₹100 for matching the last four digits. The multi-tier prize structure, a hallmark of Kerala’s lotteries, ensures that even those who don’t hit the jackpot have a chance at smaller windfalls.
The entire process was conducted publicly under the close supervision of the Directorate of Kerala State Lotteries, as outlined by ABP Live. Transparency is paramount—draws are open to observation, results are officially published and audited, and every step is designed to reinforce public confidence. This commitment to fairness is one reason Kerala’s lottery system stands out in a country where private and illegal lotteries have often been fraught with controversy.
For those lucky enough to win, the next steps are critical. As detailed by Mathrubhumi, winners must submit their original ticket within 30 days of the draw date—by March 14, 2026, in this case. Prizes up to ₹5,000 can be claimed through authorized lottery agents, while larger amounts must be processed at District Lottery Offices or the Directorate of the State Lottery Department. First and second prize winners have the option to submit tickets in person or via insured registered post, and claims may also be processed through nationalized, scheduled, state, or district cooperative banks. All claimants are required to provide government-approved identification, such as Aadhaar or PAN cards, ensuring that the process remains secure and above board.
Lottery agents also play a crucial role in the ecosystem. As reported by News18, they earn commissions based on the prize tier, deducted from the winner’s total payout. This system provides a legal and steady income for thousands across the state, aligning with the lottery’s original mission of employment generation.
The Kerala Lottery system is not just about weekly draws. ABP Live highlights the variety of games on offer: seven weekly lotteries, a monthly draw, and six seasonal bumper lotteries—Christmas, summer, Vishu, monsoon, Thiruvonam, and Pooja. The upcoming Summer Bumper BR-108, with a ticket price of ₹250 (including GST) and a staggering first prize of ₹10 crore, has already generated buzz. The department printed 54 lakh tickets for this draw, totaling a whopping ₹105.47 crore in ticket sales. These bumper draws, with their life-changing jackpots, routinely attract widespread attention and participation from across Kerala and beyond.
What sets Kerala’s lottery apart, according to all sources, is its government control and commitment to social welfare. The revenue generated supports a range of public initiatives, from infrastructure to healthcare, making every ticket not just a gamble but a small investment in the state’s future. The transparency of the system, with draws held publicly and results published for all to see, has fostered deep public trust and made Kerala’s model the gold standard for state-run lotteries in India.
Still, the lottery is not without its cautions. Both Mathrubhumi and ABP Live include disclaimers reminding players that lottery games can be addictive and should be approached responsibly. The thrill of the draw and the dream of sudden fortune are powerful, but officials urge participants to play within their means and remember that, for most, the lottery is a form of entertainment rather than a path to riches.
As the draws concluded and the winning numbers were posted, celebrations erupted in pockets across the state, particularly in Palakkad, where the Karunya Plus KN-610 jackpot ticket was sold. For the vast majority, however, it was back to daily life, perhaps with a renewed sense of hope for the next draw. The Kerala State Lottery system, with its blend of excitement, transparency, and social impact, continues to be a unique fixture in Indian public life—one that, for a lucky few, really does offer a golden ticket.
