Experiences of Young Underground Lottery Bookmakers in a Rural Community in Northeastern Thailand

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to examine the life experiences, pathways into the role of underground lottery bookmakers, perceived impacts, and future life planning of young people in a rural community in Northeastern Thailand. Six key informants whose data were included in the analysis were aged 25 years or younger, had at least one year of experience taking underground lottery bets, and were still engaged in the activity during data collection. Snowball sampling was used. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and contextual observation. Content analysis involved transcription, repeated reading, coding, categorization, thematic synthesis, and comparison of interview and observational data.

The findings showed that entry into underground lottery bookmaking was associated with the need to earn income, responsibilities toward self and family, and constrained economic opportunities in the locality. Social networks and communication technologies facilitated entry into and continuation of the role. Participants perceived legal, financial, and personal-safety risks and reported effects on education, daily routines, and psychological well-being, including stress, pressure, and guilt. Participants also described learning to manage time, communicate, negotiate, and allocate resources; however, these accounts should be interpreted as perceived adaptations within a specific context rather than causal evidence that illegal activity produces positive outcomes. Most participants did not view underground lottery bookmaking as a long-term occupation and planned to move toward more stable forms of work when feasible.