Garda Lottery Returns to Support Centomiglia and Major Events
The Garda Lottery returns, linked to the Centomiglia sailing event. Minister of Finance, Ottaviano Del Turco, has signed a decree, subsequently registered with the Court of Auditors, and published on January 19 in the Official Gazette.
The involved events
“In order to optimize the results of the lotteries, it was deemed appropriate to specify the four traditional flagship events, well-established and highly perceived (Viareggio, Agnano, Monza, and the Italy Lottery), complemented by the European event, as well as by the classic historical-religious commemorative of the Perdonanza in L’Aquila,” emphasizes Del Turco.
“We also thought it suitable to include other particularly significant events, to ensure the participation of local communities and to achieve a balanced geographical distribution.”
The first set includes the Sanremo Song Festival and the Carnevale in Viareggio, Acireale, Fano, and Putignano.
The second mixes horses (Agnano), cars (Formula 1, with the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola), running (the Rome Marathon), cross-country skiing (Trofeo Val di Fiemme), and flowers (Euroflora in Genoa).
The third comprises Formula 3 at Monza, the Mugello Motorcycle Grand Prix, the Giro dell’Ossola, and cycling in Udine.
The other events and past experiences
The fourth event features the Centomiglia del Garda alongside the Perdonanza in L’Aquila, the Pale of the Normans in Piazza Armerina (Sicily), the Historical Procession of Federico II in Palermo, Iesi, and Oria, and the Green Gullet.
Then the European Lottery, the Miss Italy Contest in Salsomaggiore, the Merano City Grand Prix (horse show jumping), and the Marathon of Italy.
The sixth and final event, the most “appetizing” judging by the billions distributed, is linked to Raffaella Carrà and TV, with a final draw on Epiphany Day: the classic Italy Lottery.
In 2000, the March Carnival Lottery distributed three billion lire to the winning ticket in Mola di Bari; the others received two billion.
“This is the third time that, following a specific request from the Garda Community, sent nearly a year ago,” explains the new president, Giuseppe Mongiello, “the ministry has chosen our lake and, in particular, the Centomiglia.
“Certainly, in Rome, they verified the excellent results achieved in ticket sales (1,185,000 in ’91, over 1.5 million in ’95), despite the challenging timing of the event in August.”
“Particularly flattering feedback regards the enhancement of the lake’s image and the sailing event itself. Additionally, there was a noticeable increase in nautical activities and a significant boost to youth activities.”
In ’95, the draw was associated with the Centomiglia Cup, arranged for the occasion, with a series of match races.
Currently, the methods for 2001 are unknown. “We are awaiting a detailed document to decide how to proceed,” adds Mongiello.
“Tomorrow (today, for those reading), we will hold the board meeting. I will share this good news, and we will evaluate our options.”
Why not allocate the profits to a major public work, such as the new 45 bis? “Firstly, because the statute of the Community mandates expenditure on promotional, cultural activities, etc., not investments or contributions for building schools, roads, or other infrastructure.”
“Furthermore, the proceeds are not substantial. In ’91, with a profit of 718 million lire, the advertising campaign cost 860 million, and the 507 million in ’95 (which were also allocated to Taormina, with which we were paired) were spent on similar purposes.”
“The results achieved,” concludes Mongiello, “confirm Garda’s reputation, which accounts for 10 percent of Italy’s foreign tourist movement.”
“Although the allocation of the Lottery is less attractive than in the past, given the numerous new games that have emerged in recent years, it remains a tool—an additional opportunity to promote the image of our territory’s quality.”