The nation of Laos may be famous for its mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture and hill tribe settlements, yet it nurtures a unique tradition – the lottery. This is a lottery that offers more than just the thrill of potential financial gains, but one that weaves in the mystical aura of lucky animal symbols and number combinations.
But the numbers don’t always appear as they should. Laos lottery officials manipulate winning numbers in order to avoid large pay-outs, sources in the communist country told RFA’s Lao Service. During national lottery drawings, numbers that are deemed unlucky disappear from purchased tickets, or are suddenly changed after they have been picked.
This has been going on for decades, with little government oversight or control. Officials have acknowledged that the lottery has a problem, but have not done much to remedy it. The private business interests behind the national lottery are connected to members of the ruling elite, including former prime minister Thongsing and the family of former president Khamtay Siphandone. These businesses are not transparent and have not paid taxes for their profits from the national lottery, a Lao state official told RFA.
Despite its controversies, the lottery continues to draw in people from all over the world. The monthly draws, broadcast over the radio and television, are not only a source of entertainment but also a source of income for many families. While the lottery has been the source of conflict between the government and religious congregations, it remains a popular form of public funding and a cultural institution that unites the nation. While the lottery is an exciting avenue for potentially significant financial gain, it is important to remember that it is a game of chance and that luck can be both good and bad.
