Whether they win or lose, each month thousands of people across the country partake in Laos’ national lottery, a unique tradition that binds communities together. But the excitement must be tempered with an awareness that it’s a form of gambling, where the scales can tilt either way.
The lottery’s mystical aura transcends the simple sequence of numbers, intertwining cultural and spiritual elements for a unique mix of luck and fate. For example, the number 134, which appears as a buffalo in the Lao language, often holds a special meaning for people who choose it. However, the number often vanishes from purchased tickets in drawings that take place three times a week. This is a result of lottery officials intentionally skewing the results to avoid paying out large sums of money, according to sources in the communist nation.
But this isn’t the only reason why many people are skeptical about the lottery’s legitimacy. It is also due to the fact that the lottery’s official website doesn’t mention any current winners. This is because the official site only displays information about past results, not current ones. Therefore, you must search other sites to find out what current winning numbers are.
Lottery results are announced thrice per week in the capital, Vientiane. In addition, the lottery is run by private business interests with close ties to the country’s ruling elite. These private businesses pay an annual fee for the right to manage the lottery and are not subject to public audits. This gives them an unfair advantage over the rest of the population, a government source told RFA’s Lao Service.
The lottery is the only way many people have a chance to improve their lives, especially in economically-depressed Laos. Wage earners make up the majority of players, but a growing number of housewives are joining the ranks as well. This has prompted the government to consider changing the rules of the game, including decreasing the frequency of draws and the number of winning numbers.
This is a big step for the government, which has previously tried to limit lottery participation through a series of reforms. In an effort to boost sales and encourage more people to participate, the government is also working with local NGOs to promote the game. This has already proven successful, as the number of ticket buyers has increased by 20%.
Moreover, to encourage people to buy more tickets, the Laos lottery has introduced an app called sai kaw. This is available for both iOS and Android devices, and it allows users to track their winnings and check the latest lottery results. It is important to remember, however, that this app is only for those who have a valid lottery ticket. For those who do not, the risk of losing money is high. To avoid this, they should seek legal advice before purchasing a ticket. In addition, they should only purchase their tickets from a legitimate source. This will ensure they have a better chance of winning the prize.
