hanoi lotto is an extremely popular Lifestyle category app with over 3 thousand downloads. Free to install, its popularity stems from its user-friendly interface that works even on older phones as well as its many betting options and large selection of lottery numbers to choose from.
Lotteries have long been an integral part of Vietnamese culture. Students, employees and retirees all take part, with excitement building until the draw. Since online platforms exist to access lotteries remotely even rural citizens can participate online platforms; while the state has taken measures to promote and increase participation including mobile apps and scratch-off tickets.
Vo’s family was unwilling to discuss his life as a welfare recipient, but they reported that he spends $200 of each welfare check on tickets every week and fears someone will steal it from him. Additionally, he has cancelled his health insurance plan, leaving him vulnerable in case he ever needs hospital care; furthermore he fears discrimination against himself and his teacher wife, whom she lives with.
Officials at the Center for Southeast Asian Refugee Resettlement are providing support for Vo as he adjusts to his new life, yet are unsurprised at his fears regarding wealth loss. Wayne Luk, a social worker from the center, notes that many refugees struggle with adapting and assimilation into their new environments – evidenced by Vo’s anxiety over losing it all in his new surroundings. It shows just how difficult some find accepting new lives.
Lottery ticket sales have seen an unprecedented surge in the southern provinces, where a significant portion of the nation’s population resides. First quarter sales were estimated at VND35 trillion ($1.5 billion), with payouts reaching 98% of available tickets, as reported by the Lottery Council of Vietnam.
Companies managing Vietnam’s state-controlled lotteries have been working quickly to develop new products, with some even selling pre-printed tickets instead of having winners pick their own numbers on paper tickets. This change allows people living in cities and provinces without official Vietlott agents access to tickets more easily.
However, the advent of special prizes has led to a dramatic drop in traditional lottery sales. At one shop in District 5 of Hanoi, lottery seller Hoang now only sells between 500-700 tickets daily compared to his typical daily output of 2,000-3,000 tickets before this change was introduced; other lottery sellers have experienced similar trends.