Arakan Lottery sees surge in demand as rural residents seek wider access

By Admin 27 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

27 July 2026, Minbya

Demand for the official Arakan Lottery (Laung Paw) launched by the Arakan People's Revolutionary Government (APRG) has increased this month, according to sources close to the taxation department.

The second draw of the Arakan Lottery is scheduled for August 1, with ticket sales significantly exceeding those of the previous month.

However, residents said they face difficulties purchasing tickets because sales are currently limited to tax offices and urban areas, with tickets not yet available in rural villages.

"Tickets don't reach our area, so we have to travel to town just to buy one. Travel expenses cost around K40,000 to K50,000 per trip. Some people cannot afford the travel costs, so they miss out on playing," said U Ko Ko Nyo, a resident of Panmyaung Village in Minbya Township.

"They ask people travelling to town to buy tickets for them if possible. It would be much more convenient if tickets could be sold directly in the villages," he added.

Currently, lottery tickets are only available at Arakan Lottery branches and district and township tax offices. Because official sales agents have not yet been appointed, rural residents face challenges accessing tickets.

Local interest in becoming authorized sales agents remains high, with residents saying that appointing agents would help expand ticket distribution to rural communities.

"Only people in towns can buy the Arakan Lottery right now. We want to try our luck too," said a resident of Kyaungtaung Village in Mrauk-U Township.

Residents have urged officials from the United League of Arakan (ULA), which oversees the Arakan Lottery, to establish a system allowing rural communities to purchase tickets more easily.

Managed by the Central Customs and Taxation Department under the APRG, official ticket sales for the Arakan Lottery began in June, with the upcoming August draw marking its second round.

According to the APRG, 50 percent of lottery revenue will be distributed as prize money, while the remaining funds will support regional development projects in Arakan State, including road and bridge construction, education, and healthcare services.