Across Asia, lottery games are played as a form of entertainment, whether through traditional paper tickets or online games. Many people play to improve their fortunes, believing in luck and karma. Others seek a way out of financial insecurity, hoping to break free from the “involution” of urban life and its ever-increasing competition.

Lottery wins can be big. But the reality is that people often lose more than they win. And in many cases, lottery scams take people’s money and even their personal information. If you think you’re a victim of this type of online fraud, stop any communication with the scammer immediately. Report them to your local authorities and online fraud agencies. Check your bank accounts and credit cards for unauthorized transactions and change passwords to prevent further harm. Seek emotional support and professional advice from a counselor if necessary.

The lottery has become an essential part of Chinese society. Lottery revenues help the state fund education and public welfare projects. The government also uses a portion of the proceeds to reward citizens who donate to charities. In 2023, the total prize money of Chinese national lotteries reached a record high of $52 billion.

Traditionally, China’s lotteries appealed mostly to older consumers, but the rapid increase in ticket sales in recent months coincides with weak post-coronavirus economic data and an uptick in youth unemployment, which reached a record 21.3% in June, according to official figures. New lottery shops and vending machines have opened in shopping centres and underground train stations, where young people queue to buy tickets.