Laos lotterie is more than a mere pastime; it’s an annual tradition, social equaliser and source of hope in a country with limited economic opportunities. Every announcement of lottery results sends ripples of excitement through the country as thousands check their tickets with hearts racing in hope that they might be among those lucky winners; many winners use their winnings to supplement household incomes or fund small businesses or pursue dreams with money saved for retirement savings accounts or savings plans.
But the lottery has its drawbacks. Recently, concerns were raised regarding its integrity when it was discovered that Thailand’s Insee Trading Company, which operates the state lottery, knew which numbers players chose and could therefore manipulate draw results accordingly. One instance saw number 509 disappear from results announced over radio only to reappear 10 minutes later!
Reports indicate that lottery officials in Laos may deliberately alter results to reduce winnings, purportedly through altering the weight of balls used for drawings; heavier balls allegedly fall more quickly into holes than their lighter counterparts, thus leading to reduced winnings being paid out. As a result, independent commissions have been called upon to investigate and ensure fairness for all lottery participants.
No matter the controversy around it, lotto remains popular in Laos and provides much-needed income sources for many citizens. As with any form of gambling, however, lotteries carry risk, so those participating should remain mindful and take measures to limit their involvement as much as possible.
The government has taken measures to restrict illegal sales of lottery tickets through informal football lotteries and SMS lottery services. Recently, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith issued a directive to the Ministry of Finance – the legal state lottery’s overseer – demanding they work together better manage this issue by drawing from state lotteries one day per week and more transparent handling of winnings, in addition to shutting down informal football lotteries and SMS lottery services.
Nong Hak is the latest Laotian film to hit international festival circuit, starring Vilouna as she faces ghosts, greed and class differences. Directed by Mattie Do and made available online by FilmFreeway. This psychological thriller from Laotian filmmaker Mattie Do blends family drama, horror and social observation elements into an exciting psychological thriller which marks his debut. Nong Hak features Vilouna as she becomes consumed by lottery results that haunt her from her past; providing a fascinating perspective on contemporary life in Laos as well as offering interesting social perspectives from contemporary Laotian cinematic culture and society today.