A woman who grew up in an orphanage in the turbulent 1960s and ’70s plans to give some of her lottery winnings back to the people who raised her. Xia Rattanakone, 44, of Seattle, said she and her husband will also use the money to retire from their jobs as an aide in the public schools system and at Nintendo of America, respectively, and travel the country.
In the heart of Southeast Asia, Laos nurtures a unique tradition – a national lottery that is more than just a game of numbers. For the thousands of Lao citizens who partake in this enduring ritual, it is a symbol of hope and camaraderie.
Every announcement of the lottery results sends a ripple of excitement through the nation. The lucky winners often use the windfall to bolster their household income or invest in starting small businesses, and for many it is a glimmer of hope in a land where economic opportunity can be scarce.
But the lottery is a game of chance, and those who participate must understand that they have to balance their enthusiasm with a sense of responsibility. Whether they are the big winner or not, they have to remember that they could end up with nothing. Moreover, the excitement of winning should be tempered with a recognition that it is a form of gambling and can have serious consequences for those who become addicted to the game. This is particularly true for the youth, who should be aware of the potential risks. And the government must do all it can to help them protect themselves from becoming hooked on the lottery. This is why a new law has been proposed that will require the lottery operators to put in place measures to protect the youth from gambling. If the proposal is approved, it will come into effect in January 2022. This is the first time a law to tackle the problem of young people gambling has been introduced in Laos.
