Laos Lotto is a national lottery game in Laos that has been running for over 30 years and is managed by the Ministry of Finance. There are multiple games offered under its auspices such as Loto, Super Loto and Sans Topu plus health and welfare lotteries with prizes ranging from instant cash payments to long-term investment plans; prizes must be claimed within 180 days from drawing date to be eligible.
Recently there have been allegations that Lao lottery officials are using tactics to prevent large sums of money being paid out to winners, though these allegations have been refuted by officials of the game. Drawings take place three times each week. Many complain about winning numbers vanishing from tickets purchased or being seen as too unlucky and unlikely to be chosen by Lao gamblers; for instance, last month saw three consecutive drawings where number 67 appeared as winning numbers (an animal considered unlucky by many Lao people).
Officials from the Lottery Commission say they’re working to restore trust in the lottery by changing some procedures. For example, number 67 will now only appear as 5 on tickets, and a new computer system will record each drawing’s results – changes which they hope will reduce corruption within the Lottery system.
Concerns have also been expressed regarding the high commissions charged by lottery agents – estimated at 20% of winning amounts – as this practice should be stopped and limited back to one draw a week by government regulation.
Laos boasts numerous private companies selling lottery tickets; some even open on Sundays. Unfortunately, these foreign-owned businesses often fail to abide by the state-run lottery enterprise and therefore unfairly serve local players who have become accustomed to buying tickets through government outlets only.
Laos Lotterie is an entertaining form of public entertainment that gives Laotians a chance to win money and contribute to its economy. Additionally, its wide range of easy games makes the lottery suitable for people of all ages; prizes range from a few thousand kip to several million kip!
Laos’ lottery industry is an invaluable one. In fact, it ranks second only to agriculture as a source of revenue and serves as an employer in rural areas across the country. Furthermore, lottery proceeds play an integral part of social development; creating jobs while helping to improve population health; funding important public projects like schools and hospitals as well as creating revenue to fight poverty in Laos.