Thai Lotto is one of Thailand’s most widely practiced forms of gambling, with over 19 million Thai citizens taking part in bi-monthly draws. Yet its immense popularity raises serious concerns regarding its effects on society.
The lottery draws take place twice every month on the 1st and 16th, with results broadcasted via TV and radio. Tickets for these draws can be bought from convenience stores, street vendors or official lottery retailers; many people use their winnings from these draws to buy goods or invest in property; however, the government is increasingly concerned by children and youths purchasing lottery tickets even though it is illegal for anyone under 20 to buy lottery tickets.
Thai Lotto is an enjoyable way to pass the time and could yield huge financial gains if all your numbers match up perfectly. Before playing Thai Lotto, however, read all rules and regulations carefully as gambling laws vary between countries – it is wise to make yourself familiar with any that apply before beginning!
Thai lotto buyers have two kinds of tickets available to them: Thai Government Lottery (TGL) and Thai Charity Lottery (TCL). Both offer equal top prize payout, but differ in regards to taxes payable upon winnings; TGL tickets feature three million baht in top prizes with 22 million bonus prizes, while TCL tickets provide three million top prizes with only 1% tax rates applied on winnings.
Thai lottery tickets are printed on special yellow, thin and smooth paper designed to deter counterfeiting, featuring watermarks of mythical birds called Wayupak that are visible with both naked eyes and UV lights; additionally they’re coated with chemicals that cause drops of bleach to leave visible stains so they can easily be tested for authenticity.
GLO is concerned about an increasing trend of children and youths purchasing Thai Lotto tickets as an addiction; curbing illegal thai lotto tickets in and outside Thailand remains challenging.
The GLO is also striving to combat overpricing of Thai lottery tickets; retailers are charging over and above their face value of 80 baht per ticket due to operational costs. They have tried for years but with digital lottery tickets set for release later this year they hope this might finally end the practice of overpricing tickets.