The smoky mountains and lush plains of Laos are home to French colonial architecture, hill tribe villages, and Buddhist monasteries, but it’s one cultural tradition that unites the nation – the lottery. Every announcement of the results sends a wave of excitement across the country, with people checking their tickets and hearts pounding in anticipation. For many, the lottery is more than just a game; it is a social leveller and a beacon of hope in a country where economic opportunities can be scarce.
Lottery winners use their winnings for a variety of reasons. Some use it to bolster their household incomes, while others invest in their children’s education or start small businesses. Still, others see it as a way to pursue their dreams and live their lives to the fullest. For Xia Rattanakone, 44, who won a $55 million jackpot, that means searching for her birth family in Laos.
While the lottery is a fascinating interplay of numbers and animal symbols, it’s important to remember that it’s a form of gambling and can be addictive. That’s why it’s so important to play responsibly and to be aware that the scale of luck could tilt either way at any time.
The government has taken steps to crack down on the proliferation of informal lottery games, notably through WhatsApp and other mobile messaging platforms. On Aug. 17, the office of Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith sent a directive asking the Ministry of Finance, which oversees the country’s legal state lottery, to work with the Ministry of Public Security to better manage the problem, sources told RFA’s Lao Service. Among other things, the directive said drawings should be reduced from two to one per week and that winnings would be handled in a more transparent manner.
The lottery is a worldwide phenomenon with roots in the Middle East and Africa, as well as in Europe and Asia. While some governments prohibit it, others endorse it and regulate the industry. In Canada, for example, the lottery has a long history and has drawn players from around the world. In 1968, Montreal Mayor Jean Drapeau attempted to impose a voluntary tax on the games but lost a court battle.
