The landlocked nation of Laos nurtures a uniquely Laos-centric tradition – a national lottery. And as the results of the most recent lottery draw were announced on October 30, it sparked a wave of anticipation for its citizens, who see this societal fixture as more than just a game of numbers – it is a cultural cornerstone that holds a glimmer of hope for a people who can sometimes feel like they are drifting away from each other.
The announcement of the results sparked ripples of excitement throughout the country, as thousands checked their tickets, their hearts pounding in anticipation. Some saw the opportunity to bolster their income, while others dreamed of starting small businesses or putting money towards their children’s education. For those who grew up in orphanages, the lottery has been a ray of hope and a glimmer of possibility in a society that can often be rife with economic hardships.
Lotteries have been around for centuries, and are a common source of public funding in countries across the world. In the 18th century, they became one of the most important resources for religious congregations, helping to build or rebuild about 15 churches in Paris alone. In the 19th century, they began to be regulated by governments in order to prevent corruption and illegal gambling activities.
However, while the lottery is a great way to raise money for the public, it is important to remember that it is still a form of gambling, and the thrill of winning must be tempered with a sense of responsibility. As the results of the most recent lottery draw show, it’s a gamble that can easily go wrong.
The government is working to refocus the state lottery in order to reduce its dependence on public funding and weed out illegal activities, such as informal football lotteries and chances purchased through short messaging service, according to a directive issued Aug. 17. The ministry overseeing the legal state lottery will work with the Ministry of Public Security to better manage these issues, while reducing the number of drawing sessions from two to one each week, and handling winnings in a more transparent manner.
