Lotteries are a form of gambling that involves drawing numbers to win a prize. Many countries have legalized lotteries to raise funds for a wide variety of public purposes. In the United States, the legality of lottery-style games depends on whether state or federal law allows them. Some states have passed laws banning lottery-style games, while others have made them legal in certain situations. Lottery-style games that are offered through the Internet generally do not require a physical ticket and may be played for free or for a small premium on base lottery prices. In some cases, these games are marketed through online casinos. The GTech Corporation of West Greenwich, Rhode Island, administers most of the world’s Internet-based lotteries and lottery games.
Lottery winnings are taxed according to the country in which they were won. This is true for both national and state-run lotteries, as well as privately run ones. In addition, the amount of a jackpot winnings is often taxable depending on the state in which the player lives. This is why players should always check with their local taxes to make sure they are aware of the laws governing their jurisdiction before purchasing a ticket.
PORTLAND, Ore. — Cheng Saephan wore a broad smile and a bright blue sash emblazoned with the words “Iu-Mien USA” as he hoisted an oversized check for $1.3 billion above his head. The 46-year-old immigrant’s luck in winning the Powerball lottery jackpot in Oregon earlier this month — a lump sum payment of $422 million after taxes that he and his wife will split with a friend — has changed their lives. It also has raised awareness about the Iu Mien people, a southeast Asian ethnic group that fled their homelands to live in the United States after the Vietnam War.
The state-run Vietlott company announced Thursday that two of its customers will share a $12.4 million jackpot from the lottery draw held on April 2. The jackpot was awarded to tickets purchased in Ho Chi Minh City and in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province. The winners were chosen by a random draw of participants who replied correctly to four questions about Montreal. The draw was part of a special competition to promote the city’s tourist industry.
A government official speaking on condition of anonymity told RFA that private business interests with stakes in the national lottery are involved in the decision-making process, and that the companies responsible for the lottery cannot be trusted to conduct honest draws. The official said the government needs to regain control of the lottery, as the current system is not fair to all citizens. In addition, he complained that the lottery’s work is not transparent to the public.