At a time when many families struggle financially, lottery has become an attractive means of making ends meet. Unfortunately, the game can lead to addiction and financial issues as well as draw players away from official lotteries which in turn diminish government revenue streams. Due to these concerns, authorities have made greater efforts to crack down on illegal gambling operators operating without permission and crack down on illegal operators who offer gambling without permits.
At first, it appeared as though no one else in the room cared much about gambling; all eyes were focused on one man struggling with his phone to enter results from last night’s drawing. Pham Quang Huy, 13, immediately bolted out the door; although not an avid participant himself, he knew even winning small prizes could help increase his meager earnings.
For those who can’t wait for results to arrive, lottery sellers offer instantaneous information. These ticket sellers, known as “ngan” (literally women who sell tickets), are commonly found throughout Hanoi and other cities selling tickets near cafes, shops and street vendors for an average daily profit of 10,000 VND per ticket sold.
Lotteries have long been an integral part of Vietnamese culture. Revolutionaries relying on lottery games during war years used them as a fundraising mechanism. Now, the government hopes to increase national revenues through foreign investments and modernizing its old-fashioned lottery system; critics warn this plan could increase gambling addiction.
Vietlott launched its Power 6/55 jackpot lottery just as Vietnam was experiencing a manufacturing boom and surge in consumer spending, as average annual income rose sharply alongside entertainment expenditure (including lottery tickets).
Vietlott has expanded its product offering beyond Power 6/55 by introducing scratch-to-win tickets in the north and an online version in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and teaming up with Malaysian firm Berjaya Corp Bhd to introduce modern American-style lottery machines, with two sets scheduled to open next month each in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Whoever wishes to play Hanoi Lotto must select six numbers between one and 45 for a maximum bet of 23,000 VND, the prize money determined by total value and number of winners. Bettors also have the option of betting a combination of three numbers that could win an even smaller sum if one or two digits of top prize are matched in winning combination.
Phung Tran begins her day at 5 am with a quick breakfast of rice and vegetable soup before heading out with her partner Manh for 16 hours of selling tickets; on good days they may sell up to 250.