In a land of rugged mountains and verdant plains, Laos nurtures a tradition that has become a national icon – the lottery. Unlike its Western counterparts, this unique institution intertwines the mystical aura of animals into its system, eliciting a magical interplay of numbers and symbols. On October 30, 2566, the latest results were announced, stoking the excitement of hopeful participants.
Although many of them were disappointed with the outcome of the draw, others were thrilled by their fortuitous gains. One such winner, Xia Rattanakone, came from an orphanage and plans to donate part of her prize money back to the people who raised her. The couple also plan to travel and search for their birth families in Laos, a country where they were both born.
During the 18th century, the lottery became an important source of revenue for religious congregations. In Paris alone, lotteries helped to build or rebuild about 15 churches, including St Sulpice and Le Pantheon. As a result, there was a struggle between the monarchy and Church for control of the lottery system.
But as exciting as the lottery is, it is crucial to remember its nature as a form of gambling. The thrill of winning must be tempered with a sense of responsibility, so that the game does not contribute to the financial strain on individuals or the state. To this end, the Lao government recently sent a directive to the Ministry of Finance, which oversees the country’s legal state lottery, directing it to cooperate with the Ministry of Public Security in order to address allegations that the lottery lacks transparency. RFA’s Ounkeo Souksavanh and Bounchanh Mouangkham report.
