19 March 2024 – The recent disclosure by the Election Commission regarding electoral bond donations unveiled Future Gaming Private Limited, led by Santiago Martin, as a significant contributor, raising eyebrows with a donation of ₹1,368 crore. Known as the ‘lottery king,’ Martin’s journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of lottery magnate and his subsequent foray into politics and controversies paint a fascinating portrait.
Born in 1961, Martin’s early years were spent as a daily wage laborer in Myanmar before returning to India in the 1980s. Settling in Coimbatore, he ventured into selling lottery tickets, capitalizing on the burgeoning demand for them. Over time, Martin’s enterprise flourished, leading to the establishment of Future Gaming, which soon became a dominant player in Tamil Nadu’s lottery market.
Despite facing setbacks, such as the state-wide ban on lottery trade enforced by Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in 2003, Martin’s astute business acumen enabled him to expand his operations across different regions, garnering both acclaim and controversy. His alleged political connections, notably with DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi, further fueled speculation about his influence in political circles.
However, Martin’s success was marred by legal troubles, including accusations of financial irregularities and unlawful gains. Despite facing legal scrutiny and imprisonment, Martin’s family continued to wield influence in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, with members joining various political parties.
In recent years, Martin has diversified his interests into real estate, education, and media, although not attaining the same level of success as in the lottery business. Despite facing tax investigations and controversies, Martin’s legacy as a top taxpayer in India and his significant contributions to the GST and income tax underscore his financial stature.
As Martin navigates through the latest controversy surrounding electoral bond donations, his resilience and ability to overcome challenges remain unquestioned. While his response to the current controversy remains unknown, observers familiar with Martin’s tenacity are optimistic about his ability to navigate through the storm.
