Lottery Online
Private business interests in Laos control the national lottery and manipulate winning numbers in order to avoid large pay-outs, sources in the communist nation tell RFA’s Lao Service. Drawings frequently show numbers that disappear from purchased tickets, or numbers deemed to be unlucky are eliminated, the sources say. “The government should resume control of the national lottery because private business interests can’t be trusted,” a caller from Laos told the program.
The first French lotteries appeared in the 17th century as public games for the city of Paris, as well as a variety of religious lottery-style games. By the end of the 19th century, private lotteries began to appear in many parts of the world, including the United States, where they were a popular source of income for families and individuals. Some even earned US patents for new types of lottery-style games.
Today, lotteries are a part of the gambling industry and are operated by a wide range of companies, including the state-owned Maryland Lottery. They are also a source of revenue for many local governments. In the US, lottery-style games include instant tickets and keno, which are available at brick-and-mortar establishments and on the Internet. These games generate more than 70% of all lottery revenues.
In addition to its regular offerings, the Maryland Lottery offers a number of specialized games for different groups, such as the Disabled Veteran’s Bonus Game, and special promotions to celebrate holidays. Its website also provides information on responsible play, which is encouraged.
A man from Oregon has won the second-largest jackpot in U.S. history, a prize worth more than $48 million in the Powerball lottery. Cheng Saephan, 37, bought the winning ticket at a Plaid Pantry convenience store in Portland earlier this month. He’ll split the winnings with his wife, Duanpen, and a friend, Laiza Chao of Milwaukie, who chipped in $100 to buy a batch of tickets. The three are members of the Iu Mien ethnic group, who fought alongside American forces during the Vietnam War and fled to Thailand before immigrating to the U.S. Saephan says he will use the money to start an IT business and invest in real estate. He’s also considering giving some to his mother and brother in Laos. The winner, who is not being named, must meet all state and federal requirements to collect the winnings. He will be required to sign a security agreement and pass a background check. He will also be required to visit a lottery-style presentation center for verification and to sign the official winning ticket.