Hanoi Lotto is an increasingly popular pastime among Vietnamese people, who believe that playing this lottery game will bring good fortune and luck. Unfortunately, however, Hanoi Lotto can also present risks and consequences that can even lead to addiction for some players. Fortunately, however, many are aware of its dangers and are taking measures to mitigate them; one effective method being providing support and assistance to people addicted to hanoi lotto.
Crowds gather outside Hanoi’s daily lottery draw with both grunts of resignation and celebratory fist pumps as 13-year-old Pham Quang Huy swerves around an overcrowded cafe clutching his notepad with results scribbled across it, collecting cash from eager customers, before speeding past traffic without getting hit as motorcycle headlights illuminate his thin silhouette.
Huy sells lottery tickets as a source of income for himself and his mother, making on a good day up to US$1,000 from selling 250 tickets; on less lucrative days however he may only make US$60 but remains determined not to give up selling lottery tickets.
Vietnam’s lottery industry is an integral component of state revenue, contributing approximately one fifth to its total budget. Managed by provincial lottery companies under Ministry of Finance control by Ministry of Finance, lotteries provide entertainment and prizes; though lucrative business for government it can also pose potential danger to those playing.
Recently, the government has taken steps to lessen its dependence on lottery. Along with expanding lottery’s reach in remote areas, Ministry has permitted foreign investors to operate casinos within capital and major city areas; such casinos do not fall under Hanoi’s gambling restrictions and therefore offer safer environments for gamblers.
Although these initiatives exist, the government remains reluctant to endorse gambling as an industry. Officials stress that lottery is not considered gambling but instead serves social welfare; hence why the Ministry is striving to attract new players by offering online lottery services and new types of tickets.
Vietlott, or Vietnam Computerized Lottery One Member Limited Liability Company, will launch selling lottery tickets in Hanoi beginning December 5 according to local media reports. According to Vietlott representative VnExpress, each ticket will cost VND10,000 ($0.4) and sold through three official agencies across Hanoi; ticket price includes shipping charges from Ho Chi Minh City as well as service fee. Vietlott plans on expanding nationwide. This launch comes while foreign investors including Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd and VinaCapital Investment Management Ltd invest in massive US$4 billion project in Quang Nam along Central coast province as home province of Prime Minister Nguyen Nguyen Nguyen Nguyen Nguyen Nguyen Nguyen Prime Minister Nguyen’s home province Quang Nam along the central coast – see this launch!