Lottery officials in Laos manipulate winning numbers to avoid large pay-outs, sources tell RFA. For example, the number 509 appeared only as 134 on tickets sold on Oct. 14 this year, despite a large amount of demand for that number, which is associated with the buffalo, a symbol of good luck in Laos. But the number was suddenly changed to 662 after the drawing, leaving buyers disappointed. “It’s clear that lottery official are rigging the system,” said one source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “I hope the government will resume control of the national lottery.”

Laos Finance Minister Bounchom Ubonpaseuth told parliament that illegal lotteries based in foreign countries—including Vietnam, Thailand, and China—have been sold in the country up to four times a day. He urged authorities to invest in a system that can trace and identify those involved.

The winner of the latest lottery draw in Laos, Dokkeo, a 33-year-old mother of three, says she would like to spend some of her prize money on a new home and travel. She has also promised to share her wealth with her family, including buying gifts for them. She adds that her phone has not stopped ringing since news of her win.