With a conspiratorial wink, Bom begins displaying a photo of a wheel chart that displays a set of numbers. His face shines as he starts scribbling a row of numbers on a sheet of paper while consulting the chart. Then, he pencils down a second set of integers derived from the first and crosses them out one by one in a particular pattern until he’s left with two digits: 0 and 1.
His method is precise and evidently follows a practiced ritual. But, to an outsider, it might seem arbitrary or even futile. It is, however, just one of the many belief systems that cloak lottery-playing methodologies in Thailand. And, in uncovering them, it’s possible to begin to understand why, despite a reputation for corruption, over a third of the country’s population regularly plays the lottery.
The genesis of the lottery is rooted in the country’s religious, economic and social history. The lottery is more than just a game; it’s an experience that brings people together in a collective dream of wealth and power. In the process, it fosters a sense of hope and optimism, unifying the Thai people through their shared aspirations, regardless of whether or not they win.
As such, it’s not surprising that, despite the country’s recent economic troubles, there are still an estimated 2.5 million people who play the lottery at least once a month. While a large percentage of the lottery’s revenue is used to pay out prizes, it also provides a valuable source of income for many people who have little or no other means of earning a living.
This is especially true for the lower middle class and poorer populations of the country, where the majority of lottery players reside. According to a survey published in the International Gambling Studies Journal, over two-thirds of all lottery participants live below the poverty line. The lottery is also a vital source of income for people with disabilities, who sell their tickets in order to make a living.
While the government’s lottery is strictly regulated, allowing only Thai citizens to purchase its tickets, the underground lottery has flourished in recent years and is estimated to be four to five times larger than the official government lottery. The underground lottery is also less expensive, allowing people to purchase just one or two numbers for as little as a few baht.
Unlike the government’s lottery, where winnings are paid out in lump sums, the underground lottery offers smaller prize amounts for each ticket sold and is more flexible about how to split the money. This flexibility is part of the appeal, as it allows people to tailor their purchases based on their financial situation and preferences. Despite the low pay-outs, the lottery remains popular among the country’s poorest residents. The prospect of receiving a substantial amount of cash can be very appealing to people who do not have other sources of income or for whom buying a new house would be impossible.