Lottery online is a service where you can buy lottery tickets through the Internet. Some sites also offer services to manage your tickets, and may charge a premium on the base lottery ticket price. These sites are often called “lottery agents” or “lottery management firms.” The largest company in this business is GTech Corporation, based in West Greenwich, Rhode Island. The company claims to administer 70% of worldwide online lottery sales.
The first modern state lottery was created in France by King Francis I in 1505. It became public in 1642, and was organized by the Paris Municipality (Loterie de L’Hôtel de Ville). Private lotteries were legalized in the US in the early 19th century. Some companies were granted US patents on new types of lotteries. These would today be considered “business method” patents.
A number of countries have national and regional lotteries, as well as a health lottery. In Canada, these are run by the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation. Its four nationwide lotteries are Lotto 6/49, Lotto Max (which replaced Lotto Super 7 in September 2009), Daily Grand and Millionaire Life. There is also a privately run lottery in Quebec. In addition, the Canadian government allows private lottery operators to operate provincial lotteries.
In New Zealand, the National Lottery is a statutory Crown entity, and profits are distributed by the Lottery Grants Board directly to a range of community organizations. The National Lottery also operates a sports and arts Lottery, which distributes its profits to the Sport and Recreation New Zealand, Creative New Zealand and Film Commission, as well as local sporting clubs.
Many countries have a state-run gambling agency that regulates the operation of a national lottery. In the United States, it is overseen by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. In other countries, the gambling industry is regulated by the state attorney general. Generally, state agencies are required to verify the accuracy of lottery results before they can be issued.
Some people who have been involved in running national lotteries say they are worried about corruption within the industry. One such person, who requested anonymity, told RFA that businesses with a stake in the Lao state lottery have connections to the country’s ruling elite. For example, the number 134 was assigned to a company controlled by the family of Prime Minister Thongsing and President Khamtay Siphandone. Access to this company’s website was blocked, but it was restored 10 minutes before the drawing. The company did not respond to requests for comment.