Hanoi Lottery is one of Vietnam’s most beloved gambling games, beloved by players of all ages and walks of life alike. Thanks to online platforms, Hanoi Lottery can even reach those living in remote regions – becoming part of Vietnamese culture and often associated with good luck and fortune.
But, despite its immense popularity, gambling can also have serious repercussions. Some individuals can become dependent upon it and it may lead to financial issues. Furthermore, illegal gambling operators compete against official lottery companies, leading to lost revenues for governments; these ‘gia la’ or gangster operators often compete directly against official lotteries for revenue from these losses.
However, the government is taking measures to combat this problem. Over the last several years, they have undertaken campaigns targeting illegal lottery operations with fines issued against those breaking the law; furthermore they have also undertaken initiatives that educate the public of its risks associated with playing lotteries.
Gia la is being addressed through legislation which will permit police to seize cars of those found guilty of trafficking lottery tickets. This law will come into force on 1 November and apply across all cities and provinces in Vietnam – this measure should reduce traffic accidents caused by lottery-related gambling activities.
Lottery ticket sellers are a common sight on Vietnam’s streets, as many lack safety nets to fall back on. Most lottery ticket sellers either have disabilities or old age which prevents them from finding employment; therefore they hawk lottery tickets in hopes of making some small profit per ticket sold.
Phuoc sells 120-150 lottery tickets daily, earning him between VND132,000-165,000 per day. Accompanied by his mother during their 16-hour shift selling lottery tickets, they begin each day by enjoying breakfast of rice and vegetable soup before heading out onto Saigon streets at 5 am.
Although Vo was fortunate to win VND257 billion, he does not feel safe with his money. His anxiety about potential wrongdoings leaves him worried that authorities may take it from him; like other refugees, he is afraid to trust authority or law; therefore he remains uncertain where his newfound wealth should go and must continue living in an overcrowded apartment with his wife and three children; his concern that local mafias might use it against him makes him reluctant even to inform them about it.