Government Initiative Launches Pilot to Combat Overpriced Lottery Tickets
PUBLISHED: 2 Oct 2024 at 20:27
The Government Lottery Office (GLO) is set to launch three-digit lottery tickets this month as part of a new initiative aimed at addressing the persistent issues of overpriced and black-market lottery tickets, according to board member Thanavath Phonvichai.
Mr. Thanavath stated that the aim is for Thais to buy a lottery ticket at a maximum price of 80 baht. For years, the GLO has struggled against influential groups that dominate ticket distribution and sales, resulting in inflated prices. The current initiative consists of three phases.
The first phase focuses on strict law enforcement, while the second phase will involve implementing a lottery distribution system through an advance purchase-booking project, improving the distribution of tickets across the country.
“We are currently in the third phase of our sustainable and fair strategy, which includes launching digital six-digit government lottery tickets via a mobile application, all priced at 80 baht. This service has already gained significant popularity,” added Mr. Thanavath.
Since its inception, the volume of electronic ticket sales has surged from 5 million per round in 2022 to 24 million e-tickets per round.
The introduction of three-digit lottery tickets is anticipated to further address the issue of overpriced tickets, as many customers resort to buying tickets above market value or from underground markets due to unavailability of their preferred numbers.
According to Lt Col Noon Sansanakom, the GLO director, each three-digit ticket will be sold for 20 baht, allowing purchasers to choose any number from 000 to 999.
Each ticket will be eligible for prizes across four categories: 3-digit straight, 3-digit alternating, 2-digit straight, and special prizes, aligned with the results of the GLO’s bi-monthly draws.
A six-month trial of the three-digit tickets will kick off with sales starting on October 17, leading up to the draw on November 1.
Initially, the three-digit tickets will be sold at 400 participating retailers nationwide at a price of 80 baht, with payments accepted exclusively through digital methods. Winning ticket holders will be able to claim their prizes through the app.
During the trial phase, the GLO will collect data on sales performance, customer feedback, and the impact on digital and traditional ticket sales. A full rollout of the three-digit tickets is anticipated by April 2025.
