Laos is one of few Southeast Asian nations to legally operate a lotto. Operated by the Ministry of Finance and overseen by an oversight committee, Laos’ national lottery provides players with an incentive to play by rewarding matching combinations of numbers with substantial payouts; those matching all four numbers receive up to 6,000 times their stake, while players matching three numbers receive prizes up to 500,000 kip.
Prize structures of lotto also encourage illegal playing. Authorities are working to curb this unlawful practice; according to Laos’ Ministry of Finance, illegal lotteries based in foreign countries have been sold multiple times per day here without legal permits from authorities, drawing large audiences of individuals looking for fortune-building.
As for the public’s perceptions, some remain wary about the legitimacy of the national lottery, questioning its results while also being concerned that drawing days have been increased to allow business interests with connections to ruling elite to increase profits.
Last month, a Laotian man named Cheng “Charlie” Saephan became the fourth-largest Powerball winner ever. After sharing the prize among himself and his wife Duanpen and friend Laiza Chao who chipped in $100 toward purchasing tickets together he will collect his lump sum payment of $422 Million after taxes are deducted.
Laos is a developing country and, to sustain revenue generation, relies heavily on lottery revenues. Therefore, its government increased lottery drawing days each week from two to three. According to Bounchom Ubonpaseuth’s Minister of Finance position statement this move will create employment and generate extra revenue for Laos.
While most lotto companies are foreign, there are a few local businesses involved in its operation as well. Reportedly owned by persons connected with President Khamtay Siphandone or his family, such businesses appear to have an ongoing contract to operate the lotto game for at least a year-long license from the national lottery. Unfortunately, government has not released how much these business interests pay each year as annual concession fees to operate this lottery game.
Laos has an intricate relationship with gambling. Gambling is illegal nationwide but legal within certain Special Economic Zones that aim to expand foreign trade. There are three land-based casinos which provide popular casino games such as roulette, poker and blackjack; additional to legal casinos there are online gaming sites that provide lotto games as well. Some Laos residents believe that lottery is rigged due to claims that balls weight vary.
