Lotteries are a popular way for many Lao people to try their luck and earn a bit of money. They’re also a big part of national culture. People love to play and dream about their lucky numbers, and the state organization that runs the lottery even broadcasts live on Facebook and tv when the numbers are called out during the drawings.
Nevertheless, shenanigans have recently tarnished the reputation of the nation’s thrice-weekly draws. Last month, the number 09 vanished from tickets purchased throughout the day of the drawing, a source told RFA’s Lao Service. That number is associated in Laos with the feline Felis catus, and is often chosen by players who seek a “lucky edge” in the thrice-weekly lottery drawing.
The problem, according to the source, is that the lottery company, Thailand’s Insee Trading Company, knows which numbers people buy and therefore can manipulate the system. The company pays the state lottery a large percentage of its revenue. It’s unclear how much the company is paying its employees to carry out these shenanigans.
Other problems with the lottery have also been raised, including questions about the weight of the balls used in the draw. A local resident tells RFA that he thinks the balls are not all the same and that the heaviest ball may be dropped down the hole more quickly than the other ones.
The Lao government has made efforts to improve the lottery system since its inception in 1975, but it remains a large part of the economy. While the government says the proceeds from the lottery go to help poor people, it’s hard for most families to get by on the meager salaries they receive, and many people still play the lottery. Despite the problems, lottery participation remains high in Laos. Whether it’s playing online or buying tickets at a grocery store, many people enjoy the chance to try their luck. There are even health lottery options for those who don’t feel like risking their savings on the lottery. Those who want to win can use their mobile phones to play the Laos lotto hanoi or download an app. They can also take their ticket to a retailer, who will run it through a machine and tell them if they’ve won.