The Laos lottery combines a mix of numbers and cultural elements, offering more than just numerical luck to its players. Its mystical aura draws in many who play the thrice-weekly lottery. And for those who win, it’s not just a game of chance, but a celebration of hope and shared culture.
Suspicions about the lottery’s honesty grew when the number 67 was the winning number for three consecutive drawings at the end of September, a time when it is considered bad luck in Laos. The number was also the winning number in October and November, further raising suspicions.
Vilasack Phommaluck, a finance ministry official who serves on the lottery committee, told RFA that changes have been made to respond to complaints and restore faith in the lottery. One change is to reduce the number of drawing days to one per week, and another involves requiring that all winners be present to receive their prize money.
In addition, he said that the committee will double check the weight of the balls used for the lottery draw to make sure they are equal in size. Some players have complained that the heavier ball is more likely to fall down the hole in the lottery machine faster than the lighter one, which would result in a lower payout for the winner. Those claims have not been confirmed by the finance ministry or the state lottery board.
Despite the controversy, the lottery continues to be popular in the country, with some estimates suggesting it contributes up to two percent of GDP. The government takes a cut of the proceeds, which it uses to pay for infrastructure projects and social welfare programs. It also provides funds for religious congregations and helps with education.
But some people who have participated in the lottery say that it is not a legitimate source of revenue for the nation. They believe that some of the companies responsible for the lottery have links to the ruling elite. They allege that some of the lottery proceeds are used to fund illegal businesses or for other purposes. They want the government to regain control of the lottery and make it more transparent.
Some of the lottery money has been used to purchase real estate. But most of it has gone back to the community. For example, a woman who grew up in an orphanage plans to donate some of her $55 million prize to her birth family and search for her missing siblings in Laos.
Xia Rattanakone, who won the jackpot with her husband, said she will also give some of the money to help children in her home province of Vientiane. She and her husband plan to continue working as teachers, but will also use some of the money for their own vacations. The rest will go to a foundation set up for the orphans they left behind. Xia Rattanakone is not the only lottery winner to do so. Other Laos lottery winners have given their prizes to friends and relatives.
