Lottery is an increasingly popular way for many around the world to score big wins. Winnings typically go towards purchasing goods and services or investing in assets like property; sometimes winnings may even go toward paying for health care or education expenses. Gambling is generally prohibited in Laos but Special Economic Zones allow residents to try their luck at casino-like games; however, strict laws prohibit this form of activity.
Recent months in Laos have seen speculation among residents that lottery officials may be manipulating winning numbers to reduce payouts. Drawings of Laos’ national lottery, held three times weekly in communist country, have revealed winning numbers that suddenly vanish from purchased tickets or appear as unlucky and unlikely to be chosen by participants – such as 509 which appeared as such before being changed randomly to 09 in actual drawings, according to one resident of Vientiane who spoke with RFA’s Lao Service.
Another issue has also surfaced; for instance, one lottery company was accused of blocking certain numbers from being sold and using weighted balls to ensure that only popular numbers are drawn first. Vilasack Phommaluck, vice chairwoman of the lottery steering committee insisted that her group did not manipulate results; winnings are decided solely by chance.
Last month’s $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot winner has been identified as an immigrant from Laos who is receiving cancer chemotherapy treatments. Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, 46, stated he would split the prize between himself, Duanpen and Laiza Chao (who chipped in $100 to buy tickets). These three will share in an estimated total lump sum payment of about $422 Million after taxes have been deducted.
Laos’ national lottery is managed by the Ministry of Finance and overseen by a Steering Committee consisting of business leaders and government officials. To address concerns over transparency and integrity, drawings have been reduced from two per week to just one and informal football lotteries with lottery chances purchased via short messaging services were closed down. Furthermore, consideration has been given for restricting lucky numbers associated with animals that are traditionally believed to bring good fortune – this report was co-written by RFA correspondent Ounkeo Souksavanh who contributed his expertise for this report.