In the heart of Southeast Asia lies Laos, a mountainous nation best known for its French colonial architecture, hill tribe settlements and Buddhist monasteries. But this country is home to a slice of life that pulses rhythmically and encapsulates the human fascination with luck and fortune – the lottery.
The national lottery, regulated by the Ministry of Finance, is run in line with local culture and beliefs, offering a fascinating interplay of numbers and animal symbols. For example, the number 134 is associated with the buffalo, which brings good fortune to those who choose it. Moreover, the numbers 21 (crab), 23 (weaverbird) and 33 (spider) are also linked to specific Lao legends and fables. This unique blend of luck and lore makes the Laos lotto much more than just a game of chance, it’s a cultural cornerstone that, despite its simplicity, captures the essence of the Lao people.
Whether it’s a small two or three-digit amount or the grand prize of millions of dollars, winning the lotto is a major event for many Lao citizens. It’s not uncommon for people to queue up to buy tickets, even though the odds of winning are relatively low. However, the popularity of the lotto also leads to some problems. For example, there are accusations of corruption and rigging of the results. The government recently issued a directive asking the ministry to improve its oversight of the lottery. It also reduced the number of drawings from two to one a week and banned informal football lotteries and lottery chances purchased by mobile phone.
But despite these problems, the lotto is still popular among the Lao population. It’s a form of entertainment that can bring in big money and create a sense of community. Xia Rattanakone, who won $55 million in the recent drawing, says she plans to donate some of the money to her orphanage where she was raised. She and her husband are also planning to return to Laos in search of her birth family.
The legal status of gambling is complex in Laos. It is illegal in most places but legal in Special Economic Zones, which are leased to foreign investors for the purpose of boosting trade. Many of the country’s residents, however, gamble online, as most international casinos accept players from Laos.
Laos’ top model and som tam lover, Vilouna, began her career in the entertainment industry with a desire to preserve her country’s culture by sharing it with the world. Although she admits that modeling wasn’t the easiest career choice, she says it has been rewarding in many ways. “I have learned a lot about our Lao culture and it’s great to share with others,” she said. “I’m very happy that I have this opportunity.” She has won numerous awards over the years. In addition, she has starred in several movies and music videos and is currently on the cast of a TV drama. In the future, she wants to continue to act and also start her own fashion label.
