Lotteries are an enduring pastime across the world. While it may appear unregulated with moral, social, and economic costs associated with its participation, lottery regulations have actually been closely controlled in various ways over time in Laos due to their relationship to gambling history, state enterprise, morality politics, and enforcement processes. This article will investigate these regulations’ effect on lotteries participation rates as a function of history of gambling, state enterprise activity, morality politics, etc.

Lao lottery officials have been accused of manipulating their system to minimize payouts, according to sources with RFA’s Lao Service. Tickets purchased during a given day often feature numbers which have been altered, or have completely vanished for the drawing – for instance on Oct 14 509 only appeared as 5 on tickets sold throughout the day yet was announced as the winning number at its drawing! Private business interests also play a part in Lao’s national lottery, yet these businesses do not answer to government authorities, according to these same sources.

Cheng Saephan of Laos recently won the $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot prize in America, beating his family members by an overwhelming margin. Born in Laos and living in Thailand before migrating to Oregon 30 years ago, he belongs to Iu Mien ethnic group which helped American forces during Vietnam war while fleeing persecution; with this win will now support two young children he and wife Duanpen are raising. They plan on taking out an lump sum payment estimated to total $422 Million after taxes have been deducted.