Lottery Online
A street vendor with a wooden box full of lottery tickets strapped to their bicycle is a ubiquitous sight on Thai streets. These vendors are a symbol of a national pastime that is a revenue generator, a source of entertainment for the local community, and a potential economic stimulus. Even if the odds of winning are slim, the experience of playing the lottery fuels the human spirit with the tantalizing possibility of an instant fortune.
The lottery is one of the only two forms of legal gambling in Thailand. The Government Lottery Office (GLO) conducts the official national lottery twice each month, on the first and sixteenth of every month, drawing millions of participants from all over the country. The top prize is a generous 30 million baht, which can transform the lives of the winner and their family.
To play the lottery, a ticket holder must select six digits, and matching all six is the basis for winning a prize. The numbers are selected through a random number generator. The draw takes place in front of an audience that includes members of the media and local politicians. The winning numbers are announced by the announcer and a runner-up is selected for each prize category.
Tickets are available at GLO and its agents, and may be purchased in “ticket pairs” for 80 baht each. The tickets are pre-printed with several anti-counterfeiting features, and include a schedule of prizes, ancillary information, and conditions. The winner must present a valid ID card or passport to claim their prize.
