The lottery, or slaakkinaebng in Thai, is one of the few forms of gambling that the Thai government allows. Held twice a month (on the first and 16th of each month) and overseen by The Government Lottery Office, it is used to raise funds for a variety of public projects. It is also a popular form of entertainment among the Thai population.
But it is not without its critics. Many believe that the lottery is a financial drain on the poor, and in fact it does seem to have a negative effect on low-income families. A study published in the International Gambling Studies journal found that two-thirds of lottery players are in the lower middle class, and nearly half of these earn a salary less than the national average.
Those who have lost their livelihoods often turn to the lottery for money. The money they earn by selling their tickets is sometimes enough to provide food for their families and make ends meet, but the odds of winning are slim to none. In some cases, the hope of winning has even led to suicide. For example, in March of 2015 a man in Chiang Mai committed suicide after the lottery ticket that he sold his motorcycle to purchase did not win.
Another concern about the lottery is that it entangles the public with organized crime and corrupt officials. Some people who sell lottery tickets are members of gangs or are associated with them, and others have been implicated in corruption scandals involving land, telecommunications, and banking. Some lottery agents have been arrested on suspicion of illegally collecting fees and bribes.
It is also difficult to distinguish between genuine and fake tickets. The watermarks on the back of the tickets are a good indicator of authenticity, but newcomers to the lottery might not know what to look for. The most important thing is to buy your tickets from a reputable shopkeeper, and never purchase them from a stranger who does not have a Thai passport or driver’s license.
Despite its unfavorable payout ratio, the lottery is still a hugely popular activity in Thailand and around the world. While the Thai government has banned other forms of gambling, it has allowed the lottery to operate for a century. This is because the lottery is more than just a game: it is a social and political tool.
In addition, the lottery is a way for the Thai people to escape poverty. It has become a way of life for many, and the excitement of buying a ticket can be an addictive drug. As a result, it has become an integral part of the Thai culture. Moreover, a large number of foreigners have embraced the lottery as well, due to its low entry fee and high jackpot prizes. It is also known as the ‘King of Casinos’ in some countries.
