While gambling is considered a sin by many Buddhists, Thailand is a nation of gamblers. It is estimated that Thais spend more time and money gambling than on religion. Lottery is a popular form of entertainment and the country has numerous legal gambling houses known as “huay tai in” (underground lottery houses).
In addition to state-run lotteries, private lotteries and online lotto are available in the country. The latter offers a more convenient way for players to play the game since it can be accessed from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection. Moreover, it is safe to use since players’ personal information remains confidential. The lottery is a form of public entertainment and a major source of income for the government. Its popularity is fueled by the fact that it is affordable for everyone.
The lottery in thailand is administered by the GLO (Government Lottery Office). It is the only legalized gambling activity in the country. Its revenues are divided into several sectors, including prize money (60%), cost of sales (9%), ticket wholesalers (2%), street vendors (2%), and social activities fund (3%) and foundation, association and organization discount (3%). The remaining 20% is used for administrative costs.
To claim a prize, winners must present their winning tickets together with a valid identification document and bank account details. Winnings amounting to 20,000 baht or less can be cashed out at any authorized venue. For larger amounts, players must visit the head GLO office in Nonthaburi. The process can take up to two years.
Choosing the right numbers is a crucial element of the thai lotto strategy. The more careful a player is in selecting their numbers, the higher their chances of winning. However, choosing the wrong number can also spell disaster. For this reason, many players seek advice from experts or fortune tellers before purchasing their tickets. In addition, they also try to find hints in their daily lives, such as the number of spots on a dog’s fur (eight is bad), the cries of a wounded bird in the forest (three is good), or the number of rats seen in the neighborhood (six is lucky).
Another common practice among lottery players is visiting temples or shrines and praying for the numbers. Some people even visit monks for this purpose, with some monks having a reputation for being able to divine which digits will do the trick. When a respected monk dies, his followers will go to his temple not only to pay their respects but also in the hopes of getting some lottery hints. Similarly, when a loved one dies, family members often seek advice from fortune tellers and look for clues such as the date of the monk’s death or, if the deceased was hospitalized before his death, the number of his hospital room. The latter omens can be interpreted as a sign that the deceased will give them his or her lottery winnings.
