In Thailand, over 19 million people play the national lottery, which takes place twice a month on the 1st and 16th of each month. It is one of only two forms of legal gambling in the country, and a large portion of proceeds go to prize money. The lottery also raises state revenue, and participants invest in a shared dream of life-altering fortune. Yet for all the grand aspirations of lottery players, the process remains relatively simple. Each month, a winner is selected through a random number draw and announced live on television. The prize money is often substantial, and many winners reinvest their winnings in business ventures or community projects.
Unlike other forms of gambling, lottery participation is highly culturally specific in Thailand. Fate, faith, imagination and superstition are all woven into the lottery experience. In this way, the lottery is a societal unifier, offering hope and a shared dream.
Lottery participants seek any conceivable means of improving their odds at the nearly unwinnable lottery grand prizes, and a variety of practices are used to do so. For example, many players choose numbers based on the names of loved ones and personal events, such as birthdates or the date of a special occasion. They also consult online gurus who provide cryptic lottery formulas and tips. Some even visit temples to make merit and glean lucky numbers from monks, which aligns with Buddhism’s belief systems that good deeds are rewarded with luck.
The operation of the official lottery is regulated by the Government Lottery Office (GLO), but the scope of the lottery’s rules and regulations extend beyond the GLO into an entire underground system that operates outside of the law. This back-alley lottery involves the same government tickets but has different rules, and some experts believe it is four to five times larger than the official lottery. The underground lottery has become so popular in Thailand that the GLO is seeking to regulate it.
For some, lottery playing is more than just an activity – it’s a way of life. The GLO estimates that over 50% of Thais have purchased a ticket in their lifetimes, and most do so on a regular basis. In fact, the number of people who play the lottery in Thailand is higher than anywhere else in the world. It is an important part of the culture and a major contributor to Thai economic growth, but there are some concerns about its sustainability. Some have argued that it is detrimental to the health of the nation and should be abolished. However, other supporters say that the lottery helps to promote financial literacy and is a good way for the poor to try their luck. The lottery has also helped to support a wide range of social programs, including promoting healthy lifestyles and providing financial assistance for disabled children. In addition, it has contributed to a sense of belonging for Thais and is a good source of entertainment.
