The lottery is a form of gambling that involves drawing numbers at random. Some governments outlaw lotteries, while others promote them and organize national or state lotteries. The Netherlands is home to the oldest lottery, the Staatsloterij. There are also lotteries in France, Spain, and India. To learn more about the lottery, read on.
Dutch state-owned Staatsloterij is the oldest running lottery
The Dutch state-owned Staatsloterij is one of the oldest running lotteries in the world. It has been around since 1445, and has provided much of the Netherlands’ charitable funds. The lottery is a popular way for Dutch citizens to have fun, while earning a little cash as well. The draw occurs on the tenth of every month, and jackpots have been as high as EUR 37 million in the past.
Spanish state lotteries
Spanish state lotteries are run by the SELAE, a public company attached to the Ministry of Finance. SELAE, which stands for the National Lottery and Gambling Agency of the State, was formed in 1986 after the merger of two institutions. In addition to SELAE’s general secretariat, it also has three departments: ICT Directorate, Financial Economic Directorate, and Business Development Directorate.
French state lotteries
In the 18th century, the French state lotteries were known as the Loterie Royale, and were held in Paris, Vienna, Frankfort, and other important European cities. In 1836, however, they were quashed by law. However, a new law was passed in 1844 allowing the holding of lotteries for fine arts and charities. In 1878, twelve million lottery tickets were sold to help pay for the expenses of visiting working men. The prize money was PS5000 for the winner and PS4000 for the runner-up.
English state lotteries
English state lotteries are an ancient form of entertainment where winners are guaranteed large prize money. The first national lottery in England was launched in 1567 under Queen Elizabeth I’s aim to make trading in the world easier for the British. The prizes were substantial, including a plate, tapestry, and good linen cloth. Queen Elizabeth also promised to give her ticket holders immunity from prosecution if they won.
American state lotteries
A new book offers new insight into the history of American state lotteries, and how the lottery industry came to dominate the commercial landscape in the United States. The book by Jonathan D. Cohen, a PhD candidate in the Corcoran Department of History at the University of Virginia, is the first scholarly history of state lotteries in over 30 years. It examines the origins of the lotto industry, and the role that state lotteries have played in American inequality and social justice.