Lotteries are organized drawings in which a prize, such as cash or goods, is awarded to a number of individuals or businesses. A large percentage of lottery revenues are used for public services, such as education and the provision of public utilities. Lotteries may also serve other purposes, such as encouraging tourism or promoting charitable activities. In the United States, most state governments regulate and oversee state-sponsored lotteries. In addition, private companies may operate lotteries under a license from the state government.

A Laotian immigrant has won a $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot, the largest ever won in the United States. Cheng Saephan, 58, purchased the ticket at a Plaid Pantry convenience store in Portland. He will split the prize with his wife, Duanpen, 37, and a friend who chipped in $100 to buy a batch of tickets, Laiza Chao, 55, from Milwaukie. They will receive a lump sum payment of $422 million after taxes.

In New Zealand, the national lottery is run by an autonomous Crown entity, Lotto New Zealand, which distributes its profits to sport and recreation, arts and culture, and community organizations. The agency also operates four games, the Lotto (including Powerball and Strike), Keno, Bullseye, and Instant Kiwi scratch cards.

While the government claims to have a level of transparency, some citizens remain skeptical of the system. In a call to RFA’s Lao service, one source spoke anonymously to allege that lottery officials manipulate winning numbers to avoid paying out large prizes. He cited a recent example in which the winning number 509 disappeared from purchased tickets on the day of the drawing. “This number is associated in Laos with the buffalo, a symbol of good fortune, and many people wanted to pick this number,” the source said. It reappeared 10 minutes before the drawing, he added.

Another caller complained that the company responsible for the lottery’s operations includes people with connections to the ruling elite. The caller said he hopes the government will resume control of the lottery, which he says should be 100 percent managed by the authorities.

For many Vietnamese, selling lottery tickets is their sole income. Huong, a single mother from the southern city of Saigon, makes about 230 000 VN-Dong per day, or 11 US-Dollars. She works with her husband, Manh, during a 16-hour shift that begins at 5 am and continues until the tickets are sold out. The pair have a small breakfast of rice and soup before hitting the streets. They choose this job over the socially detested act of begging. Despite the challenges, they both believe that their big break is just around the corner.