A lottery is a type of gambling that involves drawing numbers for a prize. It is a popular form of entertainment and also serves to raise money for various public services. Traditionally, governments have run lotteries, but more recently private companies have entered the market. The success of these companies has led some to question whether or not the government should continue to manage the lottery. Some states have enacted laws to prohibit private lottery operators, while others have allowed them to operate under state or local laws.
The Internet has made it possible for lottery games to be played online. These games are typically free to play but can be supplemented with advertising or additional fees. In the United States, a large percentage of lottery revenue is generated by instant scratch-off tickets. Some jurisdictions have also introduced keno and video lottery terminals (slot machines in all but name).
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Cheng Saephan, a 46-year-old immigrant from Laos who won the $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot in Oregon earlier this month, will split half of his prize with a friend after taxes. The Portland resident, who has been battling cancer for eight years, said in a news conference that he and his wife will take their share of the money and give the rest to a friend who chipped in $100 to buy the lottery ticket with them.
Saephan spoke at a news conference wearing a blue sash emblazoned with the words “Iu Mien USA.” The winner is part of a southeast Asian ethnic group with roots in southern China. Thousands of Iu Mien families fled Laos for Thailand during the Vietnam war, and many eventually settled in the U.S., particularly in western states.
A spokesman for the lottery commission, which has been criticised by state and national political parties, said the agency was reviewing its contracts. The spokesman declined to comment further on the allegations of corruption. Private business interests with a stake in the operation of the lottery have been linked to members of the ruling elite. A caller to RFA’s Lao service described how the lottery’s operations are controlled by a company that has ties to family members of some of the country’s top leaders.
In New Zealand, the Lottery Grants Board distributes Lotto proceeds to a range of charitable and community organizations. These include Sport and Recreation New Zealand, Creative New Zealand and the New Zealand Film Commission. Lottery profits are also used to fund education systems. In addition, the government controls several monopoly retail outlets. These sell New Zealand Lottery games and other products. In addition, New Zealand Lotto operates the world’s first and only nationwide online lottery. Lottery Online is an official New Zealand online lottery operator.