In the heart of Southeast Asia, Laos nurtures a unique tradition that unites its communities – a national lottery. When the results are announced on October 23, it’s more than a game of chance, it’s a moment of hope for people who partake in this unusual tradition.
The national lottery system in Laos is a fascinating blend of numbers and culture, with each ticket number carrying the mystical aura of a different animal. In this particular draw, the lucky numbers were 20 (crab), 21 (weaverbird), and 33 (spider). These creatures have special significance to the people of Laos, as they represent various aspects of life. In a country where economic opportunities can be scarce, the lottery offers a glimmer of hope for those who participate.
Despite debates over the legality of this “voluntary tax” in Ottawa and Montreal, sales continued to boom and lottery players from across Canada, the United States, Europe, and even Asia participated. Eventually, in 1969 an amendment to the Canadian Criminal Code allowed provincial governments to operate lottery systems.
Lottery revenue from the provinces grew exponentially, and by the 1980s it had grown to over $800 million annually. However, as the popularity of the game grew so did the controversy. The federal minister of justice argued that the provincially run lottery was illegal, while Quebec’s mayor replied that it did not contravene state law.
In the end, a court ruled in favor of Quebec City and the lottery was declared legal, but controversies still persisted, as people grew tired of being forced to participate. In addition, the introduction of new games, including the eLotto and EuroMillions, fueled public discontent with the provincially run lottery.
Nevertheless, the appeal of winning a huge prize must always be tempered by the awareness that this is a form of gambling and the scales of luck can tip either way. It is therefore vital that the lottery be enjoyed responsibly, to ensure it does not become a source of financial strain or addiction.
