North Korea lottery options have expanded with new features added to the Samhung Electronic Wallet smartphone application. The app now allows users to buy digital lottery tickets and place bets on sporting events. This development signals a shift in North Korea’s digital economy and its approach to state-run gambling.
According to a recent analysis, the Samhung app includes both number-based games and sports event lotteries. These options closely resemble South Korea’s Lotto and Sports Toto. Players can pick random numbers or place bets on match outcomes, all through a mobile device.
Daily NK discovered these features while examining the app’s internal database. The app frequently updates results and announces winning ticket numbers. For example, one notification dated March 1, 2023, revealed a major jackpot win. A player holding a single ticket won over 46 million North Korean won, worth about $5,600.
The North Korea lottery system also allows users to purchase multiple entries. A message from March 17, 2023, showed one contestant buying 15 tickets to increase their chances. Winnings are deposited into the player’s Samhung e-wallet or their Jonsong Card, a domestic debit card system.
While the app provides regular result updates, the mechanics of the draw remain unclear. Details like state revenue percentages or the odds of winning are still unknown. However, the system appears to attract significant interest from mobile users.
In addition, the app offers a game known as “Football Lottery,” which mirrors international sports betting platforms. This includes predictions on win-loss outcomes, scores, and match statistics. Users reportedly bet on both domestic football leagues and international matches like the World Cup and the English Premier League.
This dual use of global sports events reflects a unique contradiction. The North Korean regime restricts foreign information while using it to fuel gambling activities. Despite heavy censorship, international content feeds directly into state-sanctioned betting systems.
Critics suggest the North Korea lottery expansion may provide new revenue for the regime. Others argue it distracts citizens from deeper economic challenges. Regardless, the digital lottery boom highlights changes in how North Korea merges entertainment, finance, and control.
As digital access grows, the North Korea lottery system may continue to evolve—bringing new opportunities and fresh risks to its participants.
