In a region where the Mekong River winds its way through rugged mountains and French colonial architecture, Laos stands out as a country with a unique tradition – the lottery. It’s more than just a simple game of chance; it’s a national tradition and a source of hope for many.
The announcement of the latest results stirs waves of anticipation among lottery participants. For some, the prize money is a much-needed influx of cash to bolster household income, while others use it to invest in their children’s education or to start small businesses. It’s a glimpse of possibility in a nation that can be rife with poverty and unemployment.
In Canada, the lottery was first legalized in 1969 with the passing of Bill C-32. At the time, it was considered a form of voluntary taxation and faced heavy criticism from both provincial and municipal governments. The mayor of Montreal called it illegal, but the government held firm and continued to hold monthly draws. In the end, the court decided in favor of the lottery and ruled it did not contravene federal law.
Today, the lottery is a national pastime and is widely seen as a responsible alternative to illegal gambling. It is a government operation that does not rely on underground gambling activities, and its winnings are distributed evenly among the winners, a nod to fairness and equality. The lottery also contributes to economic development by generating tax revenues and providing employment opportunities.
But despite the fact that the lottery is a government operation, there are still some allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Earlier this month, the office of Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith issued a directive asking the Ministry of Finance, which oversees the country’s state lottery system, to work more closely with other ministries and agencies to better manage the lottery. The move comes amid complaints that the lottery is not transparent and does not meet international standards. RFA’s Lao Service contacted the deputy finance minister, Sila Viengkeo, who dismissed the accusations.
