BANGKOK — Lotteries are big business in Thailand. One of only two legal forms of gambling, they’re patronized by over 19 million Thais (28.6%). More than just purchasing lottery tickets as an investment for possible winnings, many see them as contributing to an entire cultural phenomenon encompassing religion, economic, and social life in a sense that draws in many more people every time the draw happens.
Operation of the official government lottery (Thai: slaakkinaebng; RTGS: salak kin baeng) is relatively straightforward. Lottery tickets come pre-printed and feature various anti-counterfeiting measures; pairs can be purchased for 80 baht each through GLO-registered vendors.
Thai lottery vendors operate across the country, selling lottery tickets to millions of Thais who watch monthly draws on television. Furthermore, Thailand’s official website provides various other services – from checking numbers and claiming prizes to verifying results and verifying numbers purchased from vendors.
There are numerous unofficial lotteries run by individuals and organizations outside of the official lottery, some legitimate while others not so much. The Ministry of Finance oversees sales, purchases, profits and limits set on lottery proceeds imposed by regulations established within their industry.
Anyone seeking to increase their odds of winning the lottery has many strategies at their disposal to increase their odds: seeing lucky numbers in dreams, consulting online lottery gurus such as Thai Lottery King or My4Website and reading candle drippings from holy water candles as strategies they are keen to implement. Some lottery participants believe tragedy brings good fortune so some will search out numbers related to crashed vehicles or highway accidents – this might also increase chances.
Foreigners may purchase lottery tickets within the country, but are ineligible for winning the top prizes due to efforts taken by the government to combat corruption in the industry and adhere to western ideals of becoming more “civilized.”
Although its prestige may be declining, Thailand’s government lottery remains popular and esteemed due to being its sole form of legal gambling; many Thais enjoy a good flutter! Search the web and you’ll discover numerous unofficial Thai lottery websites offering bigger prizes, improved chances of winning and credit purchases. These have attracted an increasing number of people tired of dealing with local vendors who want a chance at the grand prize prize. “While they may never become wealthy, at least they’ll have more fun! And hopefully some luck too.” This article originally appeared on The Daily Beast and has been modified for clarity and length before being republished with permission. Photo by Wisit Siangprasongthong