The lottery is a game in which numbers are drawn to win a prize. The prizes may range from cash to goods or services. Lottery games are popular in many countries and are used to raise funds for a wide variety of purposes. Many state governments run their own lotteries, while others contract out the task to private businesses. Some states also operate national games, such as Mega Millions and Powerball. In addition, private companies may sell tickets to overseas lotteries. The International Lottery Foundation (ILLF) pioneered Internet gaming, and has a number of websites under the PlusLotto and ILotto brands. ILLF profits from the sale of lottery tickets and supports charitable projects internationally.
In Laos, the government has outsourced the management of its national lottery to private business interests. The business owners pay the government an annual fee for the concession, but the government does not publicly disclose how much the company pays or whether there are other payments made. A source with knowledge of the matter told RFA that the private business interests are connected to members of the ruling elite. The lottery is “never 100 percent managed by the government,” the source said.
Private business interests also control the operations of illegal lotteries, a minister recently warned lawmakers. He said that despite a government committee established to address the problem, authorities have been unable to tackle it because the illicit lotteries take place online and require a high level of sophistication to regulate. The minister vowed to take steps to crack down on the illegal lotteries.
For the poor in Vietnam, selling lottery tickets is a way to earn money and survive. According to Huong, a single mother who sells lottery tickets in Saigon, on good days she can make up to 230 000 VN-Dong, about 10 US-Dollars. Her husband Manh accompanies her throughout their 16-hour shift, which begins at 5 am with a small breakfast of rice and vegetable soup.
The couple has already decided to use some of their winnings to purchase a new home and spend more time with family. They will also earmark some for travel. Dokkeo, who won the jackpot of more than 100 million VND (560,000 US-Dollars), plans to visit South Korea and Japan. “The most important thing for me is to share my wealth with my family,” she said. “And I would love to have a chance to travel around the world.” Dokkeo said her phone has not stopped ringing since she won the lottery. She is constantly receiving notifications, texts and calls from friends, relatives, and well-wishers.