Lao lottery officials have been accused of manipulating winning numbers to avoid large pay-outs, according to sources in this communist nation. Three times every week, Lao’s national lottery draws many hopeful gamblers; yet some numbers keep appearing and disappearing from purchased tickets; for instance on October 14, many players tried their luck at playing number 09 which is associated with cats – an auspicious symbol in Lao culture.

After the mysterious absence of number 09 from the lottery prompted widespread concerns that government control wasn’t genuine, authorities announced changes designed to restore public confidence and reduce drawing frequency to once weekly. Vilasack Phommaluck from Finance Ministry who sits on its committee said live drawings will make it easier for viewers to detect when shenanigans occur; however, according to him they don’t interfere in blocking specific numbers or determining which should be allowed or sold off by sellers.

Recently, a Portland-area resident who immigrated from Laos and now resides in Oregon won the fourth largest Powerball jackpot prize and plans on sharing it among his wife and friend. Cheng Saephan, 46, identified himself as part of the Iu Mien ethnic group and at his news conference wore a sash identifying himself as having fled retribution during Vietnam War by fleeing Thailand for safety, before eventually settling along the West Coast of United States.

Anthropologist Charles (Chip) Zuckerman will explore the history and mechanics of lotteries in Laos as well as what their significance means for all those involved in participating. Additionally, he will look into moral and social dimensions associated with playing, choosing and winning lotteries in Luang Prabang where he conducted ethnographic research between 2013-2016. Please RSVP via TAEC’s Eventbrite page in order to attend for free.