Laos is known for its mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, hill tribe settlements and Buddhist monasteries. But the country also boasts a slice of culture that pulses rhythmically, a tradition that brings people together and a beacon of hope for many — the lottery.
Each time a winning combination is announced, the news sends ripples of excitement across the nation, as people rush to check their tickets with hearts beating frantically and the hope that they too will be the lucky winner. Some use their winnings to bolster their income, invest in small businesses or put money towards their dreams. Others rely on the prize money to provide for their families. But for all, the lottery is much more than a game of numbers. It’s a way of life and a snapshot of Laos’ rich cultural tapestry.
While the government maintains that the lottery is a completely legal operation and devoid of any ties to underground gambling activities, private business interests have a significant stake in the company. A source familiar with the lottery’s operations told RFA that business owners with a stake in the company are close to the ruling elite and are not subject to any public scrutiny. The source added that the government has not publicly disclosed how much the private business interests pay to the state for their share of the lottery profits.
A Laos official who spoke on condition of anonymity said he hopes the national lottery will once again be 100 percent run by the state. “The lottery should be run by the government because it is a national business and not by some private business interests,” he said. “Public transparency is needed.”
To download and install Laos Lottery, follow these steps: Go to the Google Play store and search for “Laos Lottery”. Then tap on the app to start downloading it. Once the download is complete, you can find the app on your phone or tablet’s home screen and launch it.
