Lotteries are an increasingly popular form of gambling in Laos. Unfortunately, however, lottery isn’t legal everywhere within the country – some individuals sell illegal lotteries on streets or private homes without permits – the government is cracking down on their sale with first time offenders being educated and fined 50% of value; second time offenders will receive an increased fine equivalent to 100% value of illegal lottery sale; additionally printing equipment used to produce these illegal lotteries will also be confiscated by authorities.
Cat paw numbers have made multiple appearances in Thailand’s national lottery, prompting some players to question its honesty. RFA’s Lao service recently spoke with a lottery salesman who reported that Thailand’s Insee Trading company – which runs the lottery – knows which numbers people choose and manipulates the game; for example if someone wanted to play 509 it is available until they punch in at the counter, but then suddenly disappears as was stated by this salesperson to RFA.
Laos Lotto is a multi-million dollar lottery game launched by the Ministry of Finance and available at all JDB branches and JDB teleshops across Laos in October 2006. Prize funds range from 200,000 kip to over 6 million kip; initially only those aged 18 or above could join; however, eventually more participants may participate as the government plans on opening up participation further.
Laotian woman Xia Rattanakone plans to give part of the $55 million lottery jackpot she and her husband won to those who raised them, including people still living in orphanages in Vientiane’s slums. Additionally, she hopes to return home and find her birth family and give them what is left.
Cheng Saephan, originally from Laos but currently living in Oregon, won the largest-ever Powerball lottery jackpot this week and will split his $1.3 billion windfall with his wife and friends he currently battles cancer with.
Oregon Lottery announced that a Lao man has won the fourth-largest Powerball prize, of $1.3 billion. He plans to use some of his winnings to aid those suffering illness while giving some to his church and donate any remaining amount. As a member of Iu Mien ethnic group which had to flee Laos due to Vietnam War displacement, he became active at his local AIDS clinic as an active volunteer volunteer; also they donated their old car so Laotian AIDS Foundation could use it for mobile counseling vehicle usage providing free transportation while fundraising purposes as well as offering free transportation of those needing assistance as well as free transportation while providing free transportation back home as part of their donation – as they also gave their car as part of this donation too allowing the charity and used by them as they raise funds while providing free transportation as part of fundraising initiatives within this donation!