Thai authorities are planning to reform the local lottery system

The Thai government is considering the launch of a new lottery scheme in a lotto format, marking a significant shift in the national lottery system. The Government Lottery Office (GLO) is currently exploring a model where unclaimed jackpots would roll over to subsequent draws, a practice common in many countries.
Unlike the existing six-digit tickets and the N3 lottery, the new project may allow for the participation of private operators. This would represent a major change in the system, as the GLO currently maintains full control over all processes.
The N3 lottery was introduced to compete with illegal lotteries, offering three-digit combinations similar to those used in illicit betting. However, sales have fallen short of expectations, with only about 2 million of the 6 million tickets available being sold. Even the low entry cost of 20 baht (approximately $0.50) has not generated sufficient interest.
In contrast, the traditional six-digit lottery shows much stronger performance, bolstered by a vast network of 30,000 vendors compared to just 4,000 for the N3 lottery. Authorities believe that expanding the number of authorized sales points could help stimulate demand.
Simultaneously, the GLO is gathering public opinion on proposed amendments to the law governing its operations. These changes could provide greater flexibility in developing new products and pave the way for the introduction of a lotto-style draw in the near future.
Proponents of the initiative argue that this move would modernize the market and attract new participants. However, opponents warn that involving private companies could complicate oversight and transparency in the lottery draws.
Notably, Thai authorities are accelerating the process of legalizing the gambling industry and developing entertainment complexes in the country.