Laos is a nation known for its mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, hill tribe settlements and Buddhist monasteries. But there’s a cultural fixture that beats at the heart of this country, a unique tradition that unites people across this secluded corner of Southeast Asia – the lotto.
The lottery is a popular pastime in Laos, and there are many ways to play. There are state and local lotteries, as well as a number of private operators. The country also has a lottery app, which is used to purchase tickets and check results. The app is free to download and is available on Android and iOS devices.
Although the government has stepped in to help curb illegal activity, there is still plenty of illegal gambling going on. In late 2018, the government issued a directive asking provincial and city governments to work with the Ministry of Finance, which oversees the legal state lottery. The directive also requested that the state lottery cut back on drawing days from two to one per week and handle winnings in a more transparent manner. It also called on provincial and city governments to shut down informal football lotteries, which are sold through short messaging services, as well as lottery chances purchased by text message.
While the lottery has its detractors, the country’s people seem to be embracing it. In fact, it is the only form of gambling that has grown in popularity in recent years, with players from around the world flocking to Canada to try their luck. In the past year, the number of lottery participants jumped from about 6 million to more than 8 million.
This growth was fueled by an increasingly competitive marketplace, which saw more lottery companies popping up around the country. However, the increase in competition and a lack of transparency have prompted some to criticize the lottery system. In addition, the lottery has faced scrutiny from the federal government because of allegations that it is a tax on poor Canadians.
As the lottery draws near, the anticipation among those who are hopeful of winning is palpable. The winners rejoice in their good fortune, while those who aren’t so lucky look forward to the next draw with a sense of camaraderie. The lottery is more than a game of numbers, it’s a reflection of the people of this country and the enduring spirit of hope.
In the meantime, a woman who grew up in an orphanage during the turbulent 1960s and ’70s plans to use some of her $55 million jackpot to find her birth family in Laos. Xia Rattanakone, 44, who now lives in Seattle, said she will also give some of the money to her adopted family in Laos, where she was raised.
