Thailand’s N3 lottery pilot draws crowds, starts successfully

Thailand’s pilot phase of the N3 three-digit lottery kicked off successfully yesterday, drawing numerous buyers to lottery shops eager to try the new state-owned game.

Thatsaneeya Thipthanesuan, owner of a lottery shop on Jomphol Road in Nakhon Ratchasima, reported that by 9.30am, more than 30 customers had visited her shop to purchase N3 lottery tickets. To assist her clients, the shop installed a smart TV connected to the Pao Tang application, providing guidance on the purchasing process and payment methods.

Customers seemed to favour the N3 lottery over underground alternatives, as it allows unlimited purchases of locked numbers. The pilot phase, which started yesterday, will continue for six months, with the first draw scheduled for November 1.

Thanavath Phonvichai, spokesperson for the Government Lottery Office (GLO), explained that the N3 lottery was introduced to address issues of overpricing and black market ticket sales. The tickets are available at 400 registered lottery shops across the country.

Buyers can choose any number between 000 and 999 and complete their purchases via digital payment systems at the shops. The tickets, priced at 20 baht each, will then appear in the Pao Tang mobile application, with a maximum of 100 tickets purchasable at a time, said Thanavath.

“The winning numbers will align with the GLO’s bi-monthly lottery draw results.”

Each ticket has a chance to win in one of four categories: 3-digit straight, 3-digit alternating, 2-digit straight, and special prizes. Winners can claim their prizes through the app following the first draw on November 1, reported Bangkok Post.

Thanavath added that the GLO will monitor sales data, consumer impact, and other relevant factors during the pilot phase. A full-scale launch is anticipated in April.

In related news, the new N3 three-digit lottery tickets are now on sale, offering a total prize pool of 2 million baht. Each ticket costs 20 baht, and the first draw is scheduled for November 1.