Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, the small nation of Laos is known for its mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, hill tribe settlements, and Buddhist monasteries. But the Lao People’s Democratic Republic also has a unique tradition that binds communities together – the national lottery. Thousands of people partake each week, hoping to win big money and find a glimmer of hope in a country where economic opportunities can be scarce.
The lottery is one of the most popular pastimes in Southeast Asia. It’s a social leveler, a cultural fixture, and for many, a symbol of hope. It’s also a source of income for many families. Some use it to bolster their household income, while others invest in their children’s education or start businesses. Regardless of how they use it, the national lottery is a source of joy and pride for its participants.
A woman from Laos who moved to Canada 20 years ago has hit the jackpot in the lottery in Toronto, winning over CAD 60 million (USD 50 million). Mrs. Deng Pravatoudom, 59, won the prize after using the same numbers in the lottery for over two decades. She will give some of her prize to the people who raised her and plan to return to Laos to look for her birth family.
Lottery officials in the communist country of Laos are rigging the system, manipulating winning numbers to avoid large pay-outs, sources in Vientiane tell RFA’s Lao Service. For example, the number 509 in this year’s lottery drawing was unavailable on tickets throughout the day of the drawing, only to be announced as the winner at the last moment, a resident of Vientiane says. Previously, the winning number had been 134, but access to that number vanished shortly before the drawing was held.
The number 8487 was also a hot choice, but it disappeared from purchased tickets shortly after the drawing. In addition, the number 07 for dogs, 05 for pork, 02 for centipedes, and 00 for shells were all deemed unlucky and not worth buying tickets for. Private business interests should not be allowed to control the national lottery and make these kinds of decisions, the resident says.
To play the Laos lottery, simply visit a website that sells lottery tickets. After registering, you’ll receive a password that will allow you to view past results and check the status of your ticket. You can also choose the type of ticket you’d like to purchase and the amount you want to bet. Once you’ve selected a number, click on the “Play” button to begin the drawing process. The site will then display the winning numbers, along with their respective prizes. The odds of winning depend on how much you bet, so be sure to choose wisely! If you have any questions, the customer support staff will be able to help. In the event of a dispute, the odds will be determined by a panel of judges.
