For many in Laos, the lottery is more than just a game of numbers and animal symbols. It is a national tradition and a window into their culture, a celebration of the human spirit’s enduring optimism. The announcement of winning numbers sends ripples of excitement across the country as people check their tickets, hearts pounding and hoping that they might be among the lucky winners. For some, the winnings represent a chance to bolster household income or invest in their children’s education. For others, it’s a glimmer of hope in a country where economic opportunities can be scarce.
But despite the thrill of possible financial gains, the lottery must be approached with caution and a sense of responsibility, especially given its nature as a form of gambling. Thousands of Laos partake in the lottery every month, and it is important to remember that the outcome of the draw is not guaranteed. A win could be a windfall or a curse.
A number of concerns have been raised about the way that the lottery is run in Laos. In the past, some players have claimed that lottery officials manipulate the results to avoid large pay-outs. The allegations have been denied by authorities. One of the latest claims was made by a salesman who spoke to RFA’s Lao Service, who said that employees of Thailand’s Insee Trading Company that runs the lottery know what numbers are chosen. Those numbers then disappear when the clerk punches them in at the lottery station. The salesman also claimed that the company manipulates the number 09, which is associated with cats, to prevent it from appearing on ticket purchases.
Other allegations have been leveled against the lottery, including that officials have altered the weight of the balls used to select the winning numbers. The weight of each ball is recorded before the drawing. But one Vientiane resident told the news agency that the weights have been changed to avoid paying out big prizes. Another claim was that the lottery officials have even shaved the balls to make them lighter and therefore fall into the trapdoor more quickly.
Although these accusations have been denied by the lottery committee chairman, Vilasack Phommaluck, questions remain about how the lottery is conducted in the country. Many of the companies that run the lottery are connected to government officials, according to a member of the committee. Consequently, the committee will review the lottery system to ensure that it is operating fairly and responsibly. It will also discuss whether to resume state control of the lottery, which has been outsourced since 2015.
