Lottery officials in the communist nation of Laos manipulate winning numbers to avoid paying out large sums, sources tell RFA’s Lao Service. They have even been accused of deliberately preventing the public from buying tickets with specific numbers. For example, the number 09 was not available for purchase on Oct. 14 but was suddenly reintroduced only hours before the drawing, the source said. The reason given was that the number is associated with buffalo, which symbolizes good luck.
Despite these problems, the lottery continues to be a major part of Lao life, providing a glimmer of hope and a sense of camaraderie. When the results are announced, people gather together in celebration and anticipation. For those who win, it is a chance to boost their families’ income and start small businesses. For others, it is a way to pay for their children’s education or to pursue their dreams.
While the government has a say in how much money is spent on the lottery, private business interests run the day-to-day operations of the games. Some of those with a stake in the lottery have close ties to the country’s ruling elite. A Lao state official speaking on condition of anonymity told RFA that the company responsible for the national lottery is owned by a family with connections to top officials. “Private business interests should not be allowed to be responsible for the national lottery, because the drawings can’t be trusted,” he added. “The government should take control of the lottery.”
