The small, landlocked nation of Laos nurtures a unique tradition – a national lottery. For citizens who partake in the lottery, it’s not just a game of chance; it’s a social leveller, a national tradition and, for many, a glimmer of hope.
Every year, the lottery announcement causes a national wave of anticipation. The lucky numbers – 11 for dogs, 21 for weaverbirds, 20 for crabs and 33 for spiders – are all imbued with their own cultural significance. The winners are celebrated and lauded for their good fortune, but the losers aren’t forgotten either.
Lottery results are announced every Wednesday and Saturday. In a country where economic opportunities are scarce, the winnings from a single ticket can be life-changing. The money can be used to buy a new home, invest in a business or start a family, and most importantly, it can provide a ray of hope for those who need it the most.
While the government is working to put a stop to illegal lottery activities, the number of people playing the lottery continues to rise. According to statistics from the Laos Lottery, about a million people play the lottery every month. It is the second largest player in the region behind Thailand, and it has been growing rapidly since 2010.
The lottery isn’t a popular pastime in Laos, but it is legal and is operated by provincial governments. Some are state-run, while others are private. Regardless, the winnings from the lottery are used to support the families of winners and to fund infrastructure projects. The Laos Lottery is a big part of the country’s economy.
Dearest Sister, a film by Amphaiphun Phimmapunya and Vilouna Phetmany, takes the superstitious premise of ghosts that give out lottery numbers and spins it into class critique and psychological horror. The result is a well-made, entertaining film that’s better than most Thai movies released each year.
