Lotteries are government-approved games that allow players to purchase tickets for a chance to win cash prizes. Many states and provinces operate state-run lotteries, while others have private companies that manage the lottery. The most popular lottery games include the Lotto, Keno, and video lottery terminals (or slots in all but name). In the United States, a large share of the money from lotteries goes to public education systems. Some states also use their profits to promote sports, tourism, and other cultural activities.

The history of lotteries begins in the mid-15th century, when people began betting on events and outcomes that were not necessarily related to their personal fortunes. Early lotteries took the form of drawing numbers for specific events, such as a raffle for a horse race or the outcome of a soccer match. As lotteries gained in popularity, they began to become a major source of revenue for governments. In the United States, the first state-run lotteries were established in 1902. Lottery revenues grew rapidly, and by the 1970s, instant tickets had been introduced. The success of these products led to the creation of a wide range of games, including keno and video lottery terminals.

In Canada, in 1967, the federal Liberal government inserted an amendment into the Criminal Code making it legal to sell lottery tickets. This was part of an Omnibus Bill intended to bring a number of obsolete laws up to date. Montreal Mayor Jean Drapeau, who had been struggling to recover funds from the World’s Fair and a new subway system, responded by offering a “voluntary tax.” For a $2.00 “donation” participants could participate in a monthly draw for a $100,000 prize. Drapeau argued that the tax did not violate the Criminal Code because the prizes were silver bars, not money. Despite this, the tax sparked debates in both Ottawa and Montreal.

In Laos, meanwhile, the government’s control of the national lottery has been encroached upon by private business interests that are selling chances to win big in informal football and other lottery drawings through short messaging services. The office of Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith issued a directive on Aug. 17 asking the Ministry of Finance to take a stronger hand in regulating the state lottery. It also instructed the ministry to reduce state lottery drawings to one a week and to handle winnings in a more transparent manner. Reported by Ounkeo Souksavanh and Bounchanh Mouangkham for RFA’s Lao Service. Translated by Richard Finney.