The Samrudhi SM-30 Kerala Lottery draw delivered a life-changing windfall on Sunday, November 23, 2025 — a single ticket, MV 258190, walked away with the ₹1 crore top prize. The draw, held under tight security at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram, began live at 2:55 PM IST, with official results confirmed by 3:00 PM and published by 4:30 PM. The winning ticket, purchased in Kannur district, was sold through NAMASHREE LOTTERY AGENCY (Agency No: C 4160) in Iritty. The agent, BABU C, now finds himself at the center of a local celebration — and a quiet, cautious wait for the paperwork to begin.
Who Won What — And Where
The prize structure followed its familiar, almost poetic rhythm. While MV 258190 claimed the ₹1 crore jackpot, the second prize of ₹25 lakh went to ticket MR 704459 from Palakkad, sold by USHA SUNDARAM at HARSHA SUNDHARAM (Agency No: P 5808). Third prize — ₹5 lakh — landed with MO 243373 from Kollam, traced back to MEENAKSHI LOTTERIES (Agency No: W 4314) and agent MURUKESH THEVAR. These aren’t random numbers; they’re stories. A schoolteacher in Palakkad, a small shopkeeper in Kollam, a daily wage worker in Kannur — each now faces a moment that could redefine their family’s future.
But the real magic? The consolation prizes. Eleven tickets — MN 258190 through MZ 258190 — each won ₹5,000. That’s right: if you held a ticket with the same last five digits as the winner, even with a different prefix, you still got paid. It’s a clever design — a ripple effect of hope. People who didn’t win the big one still walked away with something. And then came the lower-tier prizes: ₹5,000 for 19 more numbers, ₹2,000 for six, ₹1,000 for 25, and so on down to ₹100. In total, over 100,000 tickets won some form of prize. That’s not luck. That’s intention.
The Numbers Behind the Dream
For all the excitement, the lottery’s machinery runs on cold, hard arithmetic. A total of 1,08,00,000 tickets were printed for Samrudhi SM-30. Of those, 1,07,75,925 were sold — leaving just 24,075 unsold. At ₹50 per ticket, that’s over ₹53.8 crore in revenue. After taxes and agent commissions, the state pocketed roughly ₹37.6 crore. That’s money flowing into public schools, health centers, and rural infrastructure. The lottery isn’t just a gamble — it’s a fiscal engine.
And the pattern? It’s consistent. Samrudhi SM-28 on November 9, 2025, awarded ₹1 crore to MV 206740 from Thrissur. SM-27 on November 2 went to MF 135239 from Vaikkom. SM-23 on October 5? MC 275170 from Thirur. Every Sunday, the same structure. Same prize amounts. Same transparency protocols. No one’s guessing. No one’s manipulating. Just a wheel turning, a drum spinning, and a room full of officials watching every draw.
How It’s Done — And Why It’s Trusted
The Directorate of Kerala Lotteries doesn’t leave anything to chance. The draw happens at Gorky Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, under the watch of senior officials, auditors, and even representatives from the public. Cameras roll. Paper tickets are pulled one by one. The entire process is broadcast live on the department’s YouTube channel and website. No one can claim they were misled.
And the rules? Strict. Winners have 30 days to claim. They must present the original ticket, a photo ID, and proof of purchase. The state deducts 30% tax — mandatory under Indian law — and 10% goes to the agent. That leaves the winner with ₹63 lakh after taxes on the ₹1 crore prize. It’s not a fortune untouched — but it’s still life-altering. In a state where the average monthly income hovers around ₹18,000, ₹63 lakh is 35 years’ wages.
What Happens Next
The next draw, Samrudhi SM-31, is scheduled for Sunday, November 30, 2025 — same time, same place, same rules. The tickets are already printed. The agencies are stocking up. The hope is already circulating in tea shops, bus stops, and village kirana stores across Kerala. And while the odds of winning the top prize are 1 in 1.08 crore, people still buy. Not because they believe they’ll win — but because they believe in what winning could mean.
There’s a quiet dignity to this. No flashy ads. No celebrity endorsements. Just a government-run lottery, transparent, regulated, and deeply woven into the rhythm of daily life. In a country where financial insecurity lingers for millions, the Kerala lottery doesn’t promise riches — it offers a chance. And sometimes, that’s enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I verify if my Kerala lottery ticket is a winner?
Visit the official Kerala State Lottery website and check the published results under the Samrudhi series. You can also visit any authorized lottery agent with your ticket — they’re required to verify results using the department’s secure database. Never rely on social media or unverified apps. The only official source is the state portal.
What happens if I lose my winning lottery ticket?
The Kerala Lottery Department considers the physical ticket as the sole proof of ownership. If lost or damaged, no claim can be processed — even with purchase receipts or agent affidavits. That’s why winners are advised to sign the back of their ticket immediately and store it in a safe place. This rule prevents fraud, but it also means responsibility lies entirely with the buyer.
Why does Kerala run a state lottery when other states don’t?
Kerala is the only Indian state with a legal, government-run lottery since 1967. It was created to generate non-tax revenue for public welfare — funding schools, hospitals, and rural development. Unlike gambling, it’s regulated, transparent, and profits are reinvested locally. Other states ban lotteries due to concerns over addiction, but Kerala’s model has remained stable for over five decades with minimal abuse.
Are the prize amounts the same every week?
Yes. The Samrudhi series consistently offers ₹1 crore for first prize, ₹25 lakh for second, and ₹5 lakh for third. This predictability builds trust. The state doesn’t jack up prizes to attract buyers — it relies on volume and consistency. Even the lower-tier prizes (₹5,000, ₹2,000, etc.) remain unchanged across draws, making it easy for players to know exactly what they’re playing for.
How much tax is deducted from lottery winnings in Kerala?
A flat 30% income tax is deducted at source under Section 194B of the Income Tax Act, regardless of the prize amount. Additionally, the selling agent receives a 10% commission, which is paid by the state, not the winner. So a ₹1 crore prize results in ₹63 lakh net to the winner. No further taxes apply, but winners must still declare the amount in their annual income tax return.
Can non-Keralites buy Kerala lottery tickets?
Yes. Anyone in India can legally purchase Kerala lottery tickets, whether online through authorized agents or in person at licensed outlets. However, prize claims must be processed in Kerala, and winners must travel to Thiruvananthapuram for verification if the prize exceeds ₹10 lakh. Many winners use authorized representatives to handle claims remotely, but the original ticket must be physically presented at the state office.