In a land of rugged mountains and verdant plains, the nation of Laos nurtures a unique tradition: the lottery. It’s more than a game; it’s a social leveller and a source of hope for thousands of people who play the lottery each week. When the results are announced, hearts race and a sense of camaraderie permeates the country. Many use their winnings to bolster household income or to start small businesses, while others invest in their dreams and children’s education.
The lottery is not without its critics, however, and many Lao people have questioned the integrity of the state-run lottery. One of the biggest concerns is that the governing council, which oversees the lottery, is made up entirely of family members of national leaders. This has led to allegations of nepotism and corruption, but government officials say these claims are unfounded.
Another concern is that the lottery has become more than just a game of chance; it’s now a form of gambling. Critics have argued that the lottery’s reliance on the numbers of lucky animals can manipulate the results. For example, the number 67 is associated with the turtle, which brings bad luck to gamblers. The fact that the number has come up in the lottery for three consecutive drawings in September and October fueled this suspicion.
Some have also complained that the weight of the lottery balls is manipulated. A lottery player told RFA’s Lao Service that he noticed that some of the balls in recent drawing were heavier than others. The weight of the ball affects its speed and distance from a hole, which can have an impact on the results.
A Finance Ministry official serving on the committee that oversees the lottery dismissed these accusations. Vilasack Phommaluck said the committee has already made changes to address some of the criticism, including reducing the number of draws from three days a week to two days a week. He added that other changes could be on the horizon to restore faith in the lottery system.
Despite the controversy, the lottery remains a vital part of the country’s economy. It accounts for about a third of the government’s revenue. Its popularity is growing in neighboring countries as well, particularly Thailand. It is a popular alternative to online gambling.
A new mobile app has been developed to support the Lao Lottery and help its customers. The app enables subscribers to track and display a variety of pertinent lottery related information, such as results, lottery rollover statistics, jackpot sizes, and more. It is available for free download on the Android market. Subscribers can also check their winning lottery bills and find lottery claim centers. The app has been developed by New Concept Consulting, a company specializing in financial technology. For more information, visit the website of the Laos Lottery. The developer has indicated that it may collect data from users and use it for its own purposes. See the company’s privacy policy for details.
