In a country often defined by its mountainous terrain, French colonial buildings, hill tribe settlements and Buddhist monasteries, there is one slice of life that pulses rhythmically across the nation – a cultural fixture that unites the people of Laos. The lottery.
The announcement of each new draw sends ripples of excitement across the land, with the number combinations and animal symbols resonating with cultural significance. For many, the lottery is more than a simple pastime, offering a glimpse of hope in a country where economic opportunities can be scarce.
But even as they check their tickets with anticipation, a sense of responsibility underpins the activity. Many use their winnings to bolster household income, invest in children’s education or put money towards their dreams. Others use the opportunity to give back, donating their money to family and friends, or to search for their birth families in the United States.
Xia Rattanakone, who grew up in an orphanage during the turbulent 1960s and ’70s and moved to the United States with her adoptive parents, has plans for some of her lottery windfall. She hopes to return to Laos and find the people who raised her.
In the past, the money generated from lotteries provided crucial funding for religious congregations, helping them build or rebuild churches in Paris. But by the 18th century, the lottery was so big that it became an important source of revenue for the French government and a point of conflict between the church and monarchy.
The state-run lottery is not without its critics, however. Earlier this year, the government sent a directive requiring the lottery to reduce drawing times from two to once a week, and to handle winnings in a more transparent manner. And while the country’s deputy finance minister and state lottery supervisor, Sila Viengkeo, says these changes will be enforced, he has yet to set a date for their implementation.
While the country’s lottery system may be struggling, it remains a vital part of national identity, uniting the people of Laos in their shared love for chance and fortune. As the winners celebrate and those who didn’t win wait with bated breath for the next draw, a spirit of camaraderie pervades – a reminder that lottery is much more than just numbers on a piece of paper.
