The landlocked nation of Laos is famous for its mountainous terrain, hill tribe settlements, and Buddhist monasteries, but it also nurtures a unique tradition that unites its citizens – the lottery. Every announcement of the winning numbers stirs a wave of anticipation for thousands of people across the country. For them, it is not just a game of chance but a way to bolster their incomes and a glimmer of hope in a country where economic opportunities can be scarce.
Despite its simplicity, the lottery is a vivid snapshot of the country’s cultural fabric. It intertwines a mystical aura into the sequence of numbers, with each number carrying its own traditional significance. The lucky animal numbers, for example, include 11 (dog), 07 (pig), 20 (centipede), and 02 (shells). This adds to the excitement of the lottery draw as participants cross their fingers in hopes that they might be this year’s big winner.
But while the lottery offers a tantalizing avenue for financial gain, it must be tempered with a sense of responsibility. Those who win must ensure that they do not put themselves in debt or use their winnings for illicit purposes, and they should be mindful of the potential consequences of addiction to gambling.
In an attempt to address the growing problem of illegal lotteries, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith sent a directive to his Ministry of Finance on Aug. 17 requesting that the ministry work with the police to better manage the issue, sources told RFA’s Lao Service. Among other things, the directive stipulates that the state lottery draws must be reduced from two to one per week and that all winnings will be handled in a more transparent manner.
Xia Rattanakone, who won a $55 million jackpot in the lottery last year, plans to give some of her prize money back to the orphanage that raised her and her husband. In addition, she wants to return to her homeland and search for her birth family.
