Free Arakan Lottery tickets distributed to IDPs across Arakan State

By Admin 28 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

28 July 2026, Kyauktaw

Free Arakan Lottery (Laung Paw) tickets are being distributed to internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in camps across Arakan State through donations from supporters inside Myanmar and abroad.

The initiative aims to provide both financial support and hope to displaced families facing ongoing hardship.

"We worked together with donors inside Myanmar and abroad to distribute Arakan Lottery tickets to IDPs facing severe difficulties, especially since this is the first official lottery launched in Arakan State. We hope that if someone wins a prize, it could change their life," said Ko Pyi Lin, who is leading the distribution effort.

This month, 600 lottery tickets are being distributed to 600 displaced households, with each family receiving one ticket.

Last month, organizers also distributed 180 tickets to IDPs in several townships across Arakan State.

Ko Pyi Lin said there are plans to expand the programme to include displaced communities in Chin State’s Paletwa Township.

Organizers said the initiative could have a greater long-term impact than distributing small amounts of cash because a winning lottery ticket could significantly improve a family's financial situation.

"This month, we received around K600,000 in donations. If we distributed that money directly, each family would receive only a small amount. But a lottery ticket offers the possibility of winning a life-changing prize. Even if only one family wins, it could make a huge difference. That's why our group of friends chose this approach," Ko Pyi Lin explained.

Many IDPs struggle to meet their daily food needs and cannot afford the travel costs required to purchase Arakan Lottery tickets in urban areas.

One IDP expressed appreciation for the initiative, saying financial hardship had previously prevented participation in the lottery.

"If I had to choose between receiving K5,000 in cash or one Laung Paw ticket, I would choose the ticket. It offers the chance to win millions of kyats, while K5,000 is spent almost immediately. We also have to travel to town to buy a ticket, which costs money. That's why we are very grateful to receive these tickets," U Aung Sein Tun, an IDP from Kyauktaw Township, told DMG.

The Arakan Lottery, managed by the Department of Customs and Taxation under the Arakan People's Revolutionary Government, offers 46 prize categories, including a top prize of K75 million, a second prize of K30 million, a third prize of K10 million, as well as prizes of K5 million, K1 million, and K500,000.

The first Arakan Lottery draw was held on July 1, with a resident of Kyauktaw Township winning the K50 million top prize. The second draw is scheduled for Aug. 1.