Thai Lotto is the state-run national lottery of Thailand. It is one of only two forms of legal gambling in the country. The other is horse racing. All players must be able to prove their identities and present their passports when they claim prize money.
Thai Lotto generates four billion baht a year for the government and other charities. ลือลั่นสนั่นเมือง provides scholarships to students in Thailand. In addition, the government office distributes 20 million baht each year for various welfare programs.
Tickets for the lottery are sold at retailers. They have a silk thread that is visible under ultra-violet light and are printed on special yellow paper. The ticket is sealed with a two-tone watermark. After payments are received, the tickets are mailed to customers.
Thai Lotto operates under a legislative framework that governs how the lottery is run and how prizes are awarded. ลือลั่นสนั่นเมือง must be claimed within two years from the draw date. To be eligible for a prize, winners must present their ticket at a government lottery office. There are three such offices in Bangkok. Those who are unable to attend can request a duplicate.
To win the main prize, you have to pick the correct numbers. If you get the winning numbers, you will receive a cash prize of up to six million baht. A bonus prize of 30 million baht is also awarded. You can also win smaller prizes, but they are not paid out in cash. Ticket winners must present their passports to the lottery office.
If you are lucky enough to win, you can choose to cash out your prize at a retail venue or claim it through the GLO. When you do, you will need to pay stamp duty. This varies depending on the size of the prize. For a prize of B20,000 or less, you are required to pay 0.5 percent tax. For a prize of B50,000 or more, you are required to pay 12% administration expense.
Currently, the official lottery has a payout ratio of 96%. The government lottery office prints 70 million tickets each year. These tickets are then distributed to brokers and wholesalers. Retailers deduct a 1% or 2.5% commission on the gross profits of the tickets.
The official lottery is drawn twice a month. The first and the 16th of each month. Since the beginning of 2014, the military government has been focusing on lottery reform. Moreover, the military government has mandated a maximum price for lottery tickets. Currently, the lottery ticket price is 80 baht.
In 2015, the military government eliminated the “jackpot” or bonus first prize. Previously, the “jackpot” was worth B30 million and the bonus first prize was B22 million. Starting August 2015, the “jackpot” and the “bonus first prize” will no longer be available.
However, the government lottery office still distributes eight million baht a year to different charities and civil services. Two-thirds of lottery players are in the lower income brackets.
