Hanoi Lotto is an extremely popular gambling game in Vietnam that attracts people of all ages. It generates revenue for social and infrastructure development while uniting communities. Hanoi Lotto has become part of Vietnamese culture; however, players should play responsibly to enjoy all its benefits.
Vietnam’s lottery is a complex affair, requiring officials to balance the needs and interests of multiple stakeholders. The government aims to create jobs and boost economic growth while mitigating social risks while simultaneously accommodating players, vendors and the general public; making sure it remains free from corruption and monopoly.
To meet its goals, the state has implemented changes to the lottery system that make number selection more transparent by permitting participants to see which numbers have been drawn; expanding prize categories; increasing jackpot prize amounts; as well as improving administration and control systems.
Mega Lotto 6/45 was another major development that launched mid-July. This new type of lottery offers prizes up to VND12 billion or approximately US$600 million and offers greater competition with traditional lotteries.
State Lottery Agency Spokesman says new lottery is meant to inject additional money into the economy and the winner can expect one third of total prize pool (up to 3.5 trillion dong or $1.3 billion). He further states there are over 100 Million Registered Players of lottery game which has steadily been growing over time.
However, some experts are dubious as to whether or not the new lottery will be successful. They point out it will be challenging to compete with the huge prize pools and widespread appeal of traditional lotteries; furthermore they recommend increasing administrative control measures for fairness and transparency within this lottery system.
Despite controversy, the new lottery remains popular; last month it reported a record profit of 8.8 trillion dong ($37 billion). Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s traditional lotteries have seen profits decline significantly amid allegations of corruption and fraud.
In the southern provinces, 4,000-6,000 lottery ticket sellers make an honest living selling lottery tickets. Many are children, women or elderly; others may include those forced out of professional jobs by economic recession – though young professionals no longer employed are now providing fierce competition to these ticket sellers.
Local social workers have encouraged these children to turn to selling lottery tickets as an alternative to stealing and beggary, which some have found more profitable than stealing or beggary; the money collected can then be put toward school fees; but should authorities prohibit their sale, these children could turn to illegal means of making a living.
