In the mountainous landlocked nation of Laos, lottery results stir up a wave of anticipation. Every announcement of a winning combination sends ripples across the country, a social leveller and national tradition that offers hope in a society where economic prospects are often limited. For some, the money is used to bolster household incomes; for others it provides a small window of possibility to start a business or pursue dreams that seem out of reach.
Laos’ unique lottery reflects the country’s cultural and social nuances, mixing numbers with symbols of luck. This year, for example, the winning numbers were 20 (crab), 21 (weaverbird) and 33 (spider). These animals are believed to carry good fortune, and their mystical aura is interwoven with each draw’s sequence of winning numbers.
A lottery system was introduced to the kingdom in the 18th century by French missionaries, and quickly became an important resource for religious congregations who were struggling to fund themselves. The amount of money generated by lotteries was so significant that it triggered a power struggle between the monarchy and religious orders over control.
The king won the battle, but the lottery’s popularity continued to grow. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a significant source of funds for public works projects. It also helped to fund the construction of a number of churches in Paris, including St Sulpice and Le Pantheon.
In recent years, controversy over the legality of lottery games has led to a decline in ticket sales, and the revenue stream is dwindling. But the government is working to address these issues. On Aug. 17, the office of Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith sent a directive to the ministry that oversees the state lottery, asking it to work with the police to improve transparency in lottery operations and reduce the number of draws, sources told RFA’s Lao Service. The directive also called for a reduction in the number of informal football lotteries, and an end to selling lottery chances through short messaging services.
