The lottery in Laos is more than a game; it’s a national tradition, and for many people, it offers a glimmer of hope. Every announcement sends ripples of excitement across the nation, as people check their tickets with hearts pounding and hopes high. Some use the winnings to bolster their incomes or invest in their children’s education, while others see it as a way to take steps towards their dreams. But even as winners celebrate their good fortune and those who weren’t so lucky look forward to the next draw, a sense of camaraderie permeates the atmosphere.
While the Laos lottery provides an exciting avenue for financial gains, it is important to remember that it’s a form of gambling and that luck can always go either way. If you are not prepared to lose, then don’t play! You should also be aware of the potential for addiction and keep your gambling in control. If you find yourself losing track of your spending, then consider finding a trusted website that will help you manage your budget and keep you from going overboard.
Despite the efforts of officials to improve the lottery’s image, questions about its integrity remain widespread in Laos. In recent months, the number 67 has appeared in the winning numbers for the national lottery three times in four consecutive drawing periods, sparking suspicion that the system is not fair. The number 67 is associated with the cat, a symbol of good luck in Lao culture. It’s no surprise, then, that it was the winner of the lottery in August, September, and October. Adding to the controversy, a lottery salesman told RFA’s Lao Service that the company that runs the lottery in Laos, Insee Trading Company, knows what numbers people choose and can manipulate results accordingly.
Laos Finance Ministry official Vilasack Phommaluck, a member of the committee that oversees the lottery, says he is hopeful that the government will resume full control over the lottery and that changes are being made to address concerns over its legitimacy. He declined to say how much Insee Trading Company pays for its concession and whether a government panel oversees its work.
Nevertheless, many Laos citizens remain suspicious of the lottery’s legitimacy and have called on the government to regain control over the process. One caller to RFA’s Lao Service said that private business interests should not be allowed to run the national lottery, “because they can’t be trusted.” (Reported by Ounkeo Souksavanh; written by Brooks Boliek; Editing by Richard Finney)
