Thailand explores private companies managing new lotto-style lottery

Thailand’s Government Lottery Office (GLO) is considering allowing private companies to manage a new “lotto-style” lottery, a move that could transform the traditionally state-run system and align it with international practices where unclaimed jackpots roll over into subsequent draws.

Currently, the GLO operates all aspects of the country’s lottery, including ticket sales, prize draws, and payouts. Its existing formats include the traditional six-digit lottery, the digital six-digit lottery, and the N3 lottery. The N3 lottery was introduced to offer a legal alternative to underground lottery, with three-digit prizes sold at 20 baht per ticket.

Sales of N3 tickets have consistently fallen below expectations. Out of a cap of six million tickets per draw, only about two million are sold on average. Authorities attribute part of the shortfall to the limited number of authorized sellers—4,000 for N3 compared with 30,000 for the digital six-digit lottery.

Former Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat noted that testing of N3 tickets produced underwhelming results, citing the low prize value as a factor in weak sales. Underground lottery operators also continue to attract players by offering flexible payment options, such as credit or deferred payments, which are not available under the GLO system.

Financially, the GLO remains a major revenue contributor to the Thai government. In 2024, it generated 50.8 billion baht ($1.5 billion) for state coffers, with total revenue reaching 174 billion baht ($5.4 billion), a 3.3% increase from the previous year. Ticket sales totaled 2.47 billion, and net profit rose 4.25% to 7.04 billion baht.

The proposed lotto-style system could allow private companies to handle ticket issuance, draws, and payouts, representing a significant shift from the GLO’s current monopoly.

The Finance Ministry indicated that the model would follow international systems where unclaimed prize money rolls over into subsequent draws, potentially increasing jackpot values. The GLO is currently gathering public feedback on proposed amendments to its governing law.