Srilanka, April 13 -- The National Lotteries Board (NLB) yesterday warned the public against falling for the so-called "crossing the box" (Kotu Kepeema) scam, whereby players bet on the final two numbers of the Mahajana Sampatha lottery.

"We have found that many people have fallen for this scam. We have raided many places which had facilitated this illegal gambling operation and identified those behind it," NLB Chairman M.D.C.A. Perera told the Sunday Observer.

Some ring leaders of this scam have already been produced before the Courts. Among them were two persons from Medagama, who were produced before the Bibile Magistrate, who imposed 10 months' RI on the suspects, of which eight months will be a suspended sentence.

Police stations...