INTRODUCTION
Life is often described as a precious gift, but only a few individuals manage to turn it into a legacy that inspires millions. Among them stands Mr. Santiago Martin, a self-made visionary whose journey from the street lottery seller of Coimbatore to becoming India’s most iconic name in the lottery industry is nothing short of extraordinary. Known across the country as “The Lottery King of India”, Mr. Martin is more than a successful entrepreneur he is a symbol of unwavering determination, resilience, and belief in purposeful business.
As the Founder of Dear Lotteries, his contributions have reshaped how the lottery industry functions in India. His values — honesty, discipline, and commitment to social good — continue to guide not only his businesses but also the lives of those who work with and look up to him. With a heart rooted in service and a mind driven by innovation, Mr. Martin’s story is a powerful reminder that greatness can be built from the ground up — with vision, grit, and a will to make a difference.
Mr. Santiago Martin
Founder of Dear Lotteries
EARLY LIFE & STRUGGLES
Mr. Santiago Martin was born in 1962 as the fourth son of Mr. Santiago and Mrs. Amma. His early life was marked by financial struggles and frequent relocations as his family sought stability. Eventually, they settled in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, where economic hardships forced young Martin to drop out of school in order to support his family. Despite these challenges, his determination never wavered. Starting with various odd jobs, he soon found his calling in the lottery business. At just thirteen years old, Martin began selling lottery tickets on the streets, hustling from dawn till dusk to provide for his loved ones. This early experience laid the foundation for his extraordinary journey in the lottery industry.
ENTRY INTO BUSINESS
In 1974, Mr. Martin’s father opened a stationery shop in Kuwaitpur, providing a humble beginning to their family’s business journey. Inspired by the environment, a young Martin placed a small board outside the shop and began selling lottery tickets at just 13 years of age. His early dedication quickly turned into ambition, and he soon opened his own small lottery ticket shop in the bustling city of Coimbatore. Over time, Martin progressed from being a street lottery seller to becoming a Sub-stockist, then Stockist, and eventually a Regional Distributor. His ability to adapt and persevere in a competitive market laid the groundwork for his later success as India’s foremost lottery entrepreneur.
GROWTH & DOMINANCE
By 1986, Mr. Martin had firmly established himself in the lottery business, becoming the sole distributor of the Andhra Lakshmi Lottery. The following year, he pioneered the introduction of the Andhra Pradesh State Lottery, and in 1992, he became the official promoter of the Arunachal Pradesh State Lottery. Despite facing numerous challenges, including poor transportation and difficult travel conditions across North-East India, Martin’s dedication never faltered. Often sacrificing basic comforts like food and rest, he tirelessly traveled to expand the lottery network. His relentless efforts earned him the position of India’s number one government lottery distributor, with a strong presence in states such as Nagaland, Punjab, Sikkim, West Bengal, and Maharashtra.
ESTABLISHMENT OF DEAR LOTTERY
In 1991, Mr. Santiago Martin founded the Dear Lottery brand, marking the beginning of what would become one of India’s most renowned lottery names. Over the years, the brand partnered with various state government lotteries, including the Nagaland State Lottery, Sikkim State Lottery, Punjab State Lottery, as well as lotteries from Arunachal Pradesh and Goa. Tickets were sold under the Dear brand name, while the draws were conducted and regulated by the respective state governments. This strategic collaboration steadily increased Dear Lottery’s popularity in the Indian lottery industry. Decades of consistent growth, transparent operations, and trusted prize distribution culminated in an exceptional milestone
FIGHT FOR REGULATION
During 1997–98, Mr. Santiago Martin played a critical role in defending the lottery industry against proposed national bans. As a tireless advocate for fair business practices, he strongly opposed the idea of outlawing state lotteries and worked relentlessly to safeguard the livelihoods of countless people connected to the trade. He went on to form the All India Federation of Lottery Trade and Allied Industries, a landmark body representing the interests of lottery professionals across the country. His most notable achievement came when he successfully gathered signatures from 248 Members of Parliament to support the powerful message: “Lotteries should be regulated, not banned.” His efforts influenced the Parliamentary Standing Committee to recommend proper regulation instead of prohibition, a decision that helped secure the future of the industry.
TURNOVER & INNOVATION
By the financial year 2022–23, Mr. Martin’s lottery operations achieved an exceptional annual turnover exceeding ₹22,900 Crores, firmly establishing Dear Lottery as one of the largest and most trusted names in the industry. Under his visionary leadership, the sector entered a new era of modernization and transparency, marked by the launch of India’s first satellite TV channel dedicated exclusively to live lottery draw broadcasts.
This initiative significantly strengthened public trust by offering real-time visibility into the winning numbers selection process. Today, participants can also watch live lottery draws streamed directly on YouTube, enabling people across the nation to witness results instantly and transparently.
Driven by foresight and entrepreneurial spirit, Mr. Martin expanded his horizons beyond lotteries, founding the prestigious Martin Group of Companies. His diversified business empire now spans Real Estate, Construction, Finance, Renewable Energy, Hospitality, Textiles, Yarn, Agro Products, and Media, leaving a lasting mark on India’s business landscape.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Over the decades, Mr. Santiago Martin’s outstanding contributions to business and society have earned him numerous national and international accolades. He currently serves as the President of the All India Federation of Lottery Trade and Allied Industries, a role that reflects his industry leadership. He was honored with the Best Lottery Professional Award by the Public Gaming Research Institute (PGRI), USA, and also received the prestigious Gold Medal for Excellence in Business from the Foundation for Excellence in Business Practice, Geneva. In 2003, he made history by paying ₹100 Crores in taxes, becoming India’s highest individual taxpayer that year — a rare achievement that continues to be recognized. These honors are not just symbols of success, but powerful affirmations of Mr. Martin’s ethical standards, pioneering mindset, and commitment to nation-building.
CSR & SOCIAL WELFARE
Mr. Santiago Martin’s success has always been rooted in his deep sense of social responsibility. Through the Martin Foundation, he has donated over ₹132 Crores towards various community welfare initiatives that have transformed thousands of lives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched a ₹11 Crore relief campaign — providing over 5,000 meals per day in Coimbatore, distributing oxygen concentrators, life-saving medicines, masks, and sanitizers to those in need. His ₹7 Crore donation helped upgrade a government school with smart classrooms, science labs, a library, anganwadi blocks, and accessible restrooms for underprivileged children. He also contributed ₹5 Crores in aid during the Gaja Cyclone and established a ₹4 Crore modern health centre in Tiruvadanai. His philanthropic vision also led to the creation of Martin Homeopathy College, making quality education and healthcare more accessible. Every project reflects his belief that business success is incomplete without compassion and community upliftment.
VALUES, VISION & LEGACY
Despite his towering success, Mr. Santiago Martin continues to lead a grounded and simple life, rooted in humility and service. He remains deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of his businesses, regularly engaging with dealers, shop owners, and employees to understand their challenges and support their growth. His leadership style is built on trust, direct connection, and hands-on guidance, making him a respected mentor to thousands. Beyond profits, Mr. Martin’s vision centers on creating lasting change — through education, healthcare, and ethical business practices. His unwavering belief in social justice and environmental responsibility sets him apart as a leader for the people. Today, the lottery trade stands stronger and more respected because of his tireless efforts. Mr. Martin’s journey continues to inspire generations of entrepreneurs, proving that true legacy lies not in wealth, but in how many lives one uplifts along the way.
