Laos culture embraces gambling despite its illegality, with much support coming from both state and private providers alike. Many enjoy participating in lotteries – some run by state agencies while others privately operated. Lottery winnings are used to fund churches and religious orders while providing revenue streams for many local governments; yet some claim lottery prizes are unfair, encouraging gambling addictions.
In Laos, thousands of residents take part in a thrice-weekly lottery game that can make a dramatic difference in family life. But in recent months, questions have been raised regarding its integrity; specifically when the number 67 kept appearing as one of four winning numbers over four months. Players became suspicious that such an association existed given how closely associated with cat is was with luckiness in Laos culture and people played to win one prize or another from it.
One source told RFA’s Lao Service that the lottery game was being conducted dishonestly. He claimed the company that runs it knew which numbers are picked by customers and can manipulate its drawings; he spoke on condition of anonymity as he is not authorized to speak publicly about this topic. Vilasack Phommaluck has consistently defended the integrity of this lottery game.
Other challenges have also emerged with the lottery, as some participants found it too expensive and others found prizes were not sufficient to encourage participation. A ticket that won all four numbers multiplied a stake of 1,000 kip by six, turning even a small bet into an unexpected windfall. Although animal-named lottery numbers no longer feature, players still stand a chance of securing up to six million kip if three or more numbers match up successfully.
The lottery has long been used as an income stream by religious groups and has enabled over 15 churches in Paris alone to be built or rebuilt thanks to lottery proceeds. Some lottery winners even donate half their winnings directly to charity; yet concerns have been expressed that large sums involved with lotteries may lead to corruption; in France and elsewhere during the early 20th century this issue became especially prominent, prompting many people to question whether funds were being distributed fairly.
He added that private business interests should not be permitted to manage Laos’ national lottery, instead restoring control to its citizens. Privately-held businesses should not profit from or exploit players of the lottery and should not have the ability to manipulate results. Furthermore, every year an audit should be carried out of Laos’ lottery to make sure its money is coming through correctly without being misused – something all nations should follow suit with.