In the heart of Southeast Asia, the small landlocked nation of Laos nurtures a unique tradition – a national lottery. Each announcement of winning numbers stirs a wave of anticipation among citizens who partake in the game, not just as a simple pastime but also as a source of hope. For those who win, the prize money isn’t just a financial gain, but a chance to start a new chapter in their lives.
The excitement of winning the lottery must be tempered by an awareness that it’s a form of gambling, where the scales can tip either way. The winnings can be used to strengthen household finances, start a business, or put towards a family’s dreams. But some winners use their money to help others, particularly those who need a lift up out of poverty.
For Xia Rattanakone, who grew up in a Laotian orphanage and moved to the United States in 1979, her lottery jackpot was more than just a windfall. She and her husband plan to donate some of their $55 million haul to the people who raised them in a country where economic prospects can be slim.
Rattanakone, a temporary worker who has worked for Nintendo of America, and her husband are also planning to retire from their jobs, and travel. The couple hopes to find their biological families in their homeland and give back to those who supported them.
Like many other countries, the lottery in Laos is state-run and operated by the Lao National Lottery Company, or LYNLO, which was established in 1992. It offers a wide range of games, from traditional scratch cards to online instant-win games. It also runs a mobile lottery application.
The LYNLO app offers players the opportunity to purchase tickets online and check their results on the go, from anywhere at any time. The app also lets users know which locations are selling lottery tickets and what prizes are available at each location. The app is free to download and provides the same functionality as the LYNLO website.
