Laos Lotto draws are announced live on local TV, keeping participants on edge as they cross-reference their tickets with official results. Many foreign nationals purchase these tickets, and winnings can be substantial; yet, there have been concerns raised regarding its integrity; some alleging it to be run by private business interests with connections to government.
Laos is often perceived as being difficult for foreign investors and businesspeople alike to conduct their affairs due to strict gambling and economic laws that make doing business there difficult. Recently however, Laos’ government has attempted to attract greater foreign investment by permitting people to gamble within designated special economic zones; additionally its legal system permits state-owned casinos that are closed off from general access to operate as well.
But legalization of gambling has caused controversy, with critics noting it will increase corruption and addiction among participants. Furthermore, illegal lotteries from foreign countries that have been sold without license in Laos is flooding the gambling industry; according to Vilasack Phommaluck of Laos’ finance minister who serves on the committee overseeing state lottery enterprise committee, these illegal lotteries have taken money away from Laos while contributing to an addiction problem.
He stated that the government would monitor foreign-based lotteries, with hopes that new measures would help reduce illegal lotteries within the country. He encouraged media outlets to report any such activities. Law enforcement agencies have been directed to take appropriate action against individuals and businesses who offer illegal lotteries, slot machine outlets, online games or any other illegal businesses; warnings will be issued upon initial violations while those continuing their illegal practices will face fines of up to 50 percent of their annual earnings.
A woman raised in a Laotian orphanage who moved to Seattle as an adult has announced plans to donate part of her $55 million lottery jackpot to those responsible for raising her and help search for her biological family. Xia Rattanakone plans on working part-time as an aide with Seattle School District as well.
Oregon Lottery released in a press release that Saephan purchased more than 20 lottery tickets, writing down his numbers on pieces of paper that he then placed under his pillow while sleeping. Saephan told media representatives he felt blessed to still be alive and healthy with two young children to care for.