Laos lotto is an attractive form of gambling that offers prizes to participants. As well as providing an opportunity for them to track past results and verify entries, participants also benefit from tracking past results for tracking purposes and verifying entries – this information encourages their continued participation; yet some doubt has arisen regarding its legitimacy.
67 has repeatedly appeared as the winning numbers for Laos national lottery drawings since August 10, prompting suspicions that it is being used to manipulate results. Laotians associate this number with buffaloes as symbols of good luck; it was drawn as the winner in August 10, September 22 and October drawings prompting many players to question its fairness; each time, however, when first appearing and then disappearing just before being drawn as winning number again.
RFA was informed by a source with strong ties to the state-owned lottery company that runs it that business interests behind winning lottery numbers have links with members of the ruling elite and pay the lottery company to manage operations; however, neither the government nor anyone in control overseeing this aspect of operations is aware of these payments or who oversees their management.
While a state-owned company oversees the operation of Laos Lotto, private businesses run some smaller stores and sell tickets directly to customers. Some of these private businesses are owned by Laos nationals while others may be foreign owned; many specialize in construction work as well and may even operate from neighboring countries like China.
Laos has an unusual legal position regarding gambling: in general it is illegal in the country; however there are Special Economic Zones where casinos operate legally with lease agreements from the government to increase trade. Casino games offered include roulette, poker and blackjack – while Laos residents may also access several online casinos which accept them as players from Laos.
A 59-year-old Canadian woman recently won the Laos lotto for approximately USD 50 Million by consistently using the same numbers in 20 years of play, winning her jackpot on January 14. These were chosen based on birthdays for her three children and mother; when the jackpot came her joy was so overwhelming she immediately wanted to share it with those close to her including friends who assisted with buying multiple tickets from her.