The lottery is a popular form of gambling in many countries. Prizes can range from a free ticket to the grand prize of several million dollars. The game is regulated by the laws of each country. The prize money is typically used to support local charities. The National Lottery in the United Kingdom is managed by the government, which also regulates the prizes. Other lotteries are run by private organizations. The International Lottery in Liechtenstein is one of these. In addition to operating lottery games, it also promotes charitable projects and organizations internationally.
The Powerball lottery is a multi-state game played in the United States. Its prizes can be paid out in a lump sum or in 30 annual installments. The winner can choose which option he or she prefers. The current jackpot is about $1.3 billion dollars. The prize money can also be donated to a non-profit organization.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Cheng Saephan, a 46-year-old immigrant, wore a broad smile and a blue sash at a news conference this week hoisting an oversized check for more than $1.3 billion dollars above his head. The winner of the Powerball prize in Oregon can choose a lump-sum payment or receive it over 30 years. The total payout after federal and state taxes is about $422 million dollars.
Saephan is a member of the Iu Mien ethnic group, which is native to Laos and Thailand. The Iu Mien people helped the US armed forces during the Vietnam War. Tens of thousands moved to the west coast of the U.S. after the war. They have a strong community in Portland, with a Buddhist temple, a Baptist church and social organizations.
Lottery officials in the communist nation of Laos are rigging the national lottery, causing numbers to disappear from purchased tickets during drawing. The winning number in a recent drawing, 509, appeared only as 5 on tickets bought before and after the draw. That’s a common occurrence, and explains why the winning numbers are so high, sources tell RFA’s Lao Service.
Across Canada there are four nationwide lotteries operated by provincial/territorial governments. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island), Loto-Quebec (Quebec), Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (Ontario) and Western Canada Lottery Corporation (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Northwest Territories and Yukon) operate the Lotto 6/49, Lotto Max, Daily Grand and Millionaire Life games respectively. In addition to these, private lotteries also exist in some provinces.