In the mountainous landlocked nation of Laos, nestled between Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar, there’s a tradition that pulses rhythmically through its national culture. A tradition that is more than just a game of chance – it’s a social leveller, a source of hope and for many, a glimmer of possibility in a country where economic opportunities can be scarce. That tradition is the lottery.
Every announcement of the lottery results sends ripples of excitement through the nation as thousands of people check their tickets and wait with bated breath to see if they might be one of the lucky winners. The winnings can be used to bolster household incomes, start small businesses or put towards dreams of bigger things down the line. And in a country where the number of government-owned businesses is limited, the lottery provides a sense of civic pride and responsibility for all citizens.
The upcoming Lotto 6/49 draw on Wednesday, June 27, will be the fourth time in three months that the jackpot has reached over 100 million baht ($3.38 billion). This is an extraordinary sum of money for a country with an estimated population of around 8 million. But while the influx of millions may seem like an unstoppable force for good, the fact is that it’s not always easy to win. This is especially true in a country where the majority of the population are poor.
According to RFA sources, the lottery is often rigged by officials in order to avoid large payouts. For instance, in the Oct. 22 drawing, the winning number was 134, but access to the number was reportedly denied throughout the day and then changed only 10 minutes before the draw took place. This is not the first time that lottery officials have been accused of rigging the games.
The legality of gambling in Laos is complex. While gambling is illegal in most parts of the country, there are Special Economic Zones where casinos can operate legally. In addition, there are numerous offshore online casinos that accept players from Laos. Currently, there are 3 land-based casinos that operate in Laos offering popular casino games. Despite the fact that gambling is considered illegal, players are not at risk of being caught by the authorities.
