The lottery in Laos is more than a game of numbers; it is a cultural spectacle that captures the nation’s fascination with luck and fortune. Every announcement of a winning combination sends ripples of excitement through the country and gives those who didn’t win a glimmer of hope in a place where economic opportunities can be scarce. But while many look forward to the next draw, the thrill of playing must always be tempered with a sense of responsibility and awareness that this is a form of gambling that can sway luck in either direction.
Laos has seen a number of controversies over its national lottery, with some accusing officials of manipulating the system in order to avoid large pay-outs. The results of the thrice weekly drawing are often inconsistent, with certain numbers appearing on tickets purchased throughout the day of the lottery and then suddenly disappearing from the list. One such example occurred on Oct. 14 this year when the number 509 appeared on tickets sold until about an hour before the lottery result was announced, then mysteriously disappeared from the list of winning numbers. The number is associated with the buffalo, an animal believed to carry good luck in Laos.
Another controversy erupted when it was discovered that the weight of the lottery balls used to choose winners could be manipulated. A Vientiane resident told RFA’s Lao Service that the heaviest ball would sink into the hole faster and drop lower than others, giving it an unfair advantage over the other balls when they are spun in a machine. But a Finance Ministry official who serves on the committee that oversees the lottery dismissed the allegation, saying that the weight of the balls is checked before each drawing to ensure consistency.
Other allegations have also been raised regarding the integrity of the drawing process itself, with some players claiming that the lottery committee is using secret cameras to watch other members of the public during the selection process and then altering the video footage afterwards. The government has yet to comment on these claims.
In an effort to restore faith in the lottery, Lao deputy finance minister and state lottery supervisor Vilasack Phommaluck told RFA that changes were being made to the way the lottery is run. The number of drawings will be reduced to one per week and the lottery company will be forced to show results live on television, he said. It will also be prohibited to sell lottery chances through informal football lotteries and short messaging services. These changes are meant to prevent officials from rigging the lottery.
