Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Laos is a land of rugged mountains, French colonial architecture, and hill tribe settlements. But the tiny nation also nurtures a unique tradition that brings people together – the national lottery. Each time the results are announced, it’s more than a game of numbers, it’s a mirror reflecting Laos’ rich culture and social nuances. For the many citizens who partake in this ritual, it’s a glimmer of hope in a country where economic opportunities can be scarce.
The announcement of the winning combinations sends ripples of excitement throughout the country, with people clutching their tickets to see if they’ve struck it lucky. Many use their windfalls to help supplement household income, or invest in their children’s education. Others use it to start a small business or pursue their dreams. Regardless of their motives, the winners say they’re glad to have found luck at last.
But for those who didn’t win this month, the anticipation for the next lottery is still high. And while the prize money is certainly tempting, it’s important to remember that the lottery is a form of gambling whose scales can tip either way. Therefore, a sense of responsibility should underpin participation, ensuring that it doesn’t become a source of financial strain.
A woman from Laos who lives in the United States says she’ll donate a portion of her $55 million lottery jackpot to the orphanage that raised her. Xia Rattanakone, who was adopted into an American family as an infant in the 1960s and ’70s, said she and her husband plan to retire from their jobs as a school aide and a temporary worker for Nintendo of America, respectively, to travel and spend more time with her extended family in Laos.
Laos deputy finance minister and state lottery supervisor Sila Viengkeo told RFA’s Lao Service that the Aug. 17 directive will be strictly enforced. He said the number of draws per week will be reduced to one, and winnings handled in a more transparent manner. In addition, informal football lotteries and the sale of lottery chances through short messaging services will be closed down.
