In the United States, a lottery is a type of gambling game that awards a prize based on the outcome of a drawing or contest. It is popular with many people and has become a source of revenue for governments. In the US, there are several ways to play a lottery, including playing online. Many people also buy tickets in person at state-run lotteries. In addition to traditional lotteries, some states have introduced other types of games, such as instant lottery tickets and keno. In some states, a private business is responsible for the lottery, while in others, it is the responsibility of the state government.
While the number of winners and winnings varies, most lotteries have similar elements. The ticket price is a fixed amount and the prizes are determined by chance, a combination of factors, or both. The prize can be cash or goods. The winner must be 18 years old and a legal resident of the state in which he or she lives. The prize must be claimed in the year it was won or it will be forfeited. The money can be used to purchase a home, car, college education, or other needs.
The New Zealand national lottery is operated by an autonomous Crown entity, Lotto New Zealand (formerly the Lotteries Commission). The Lotto profits are distributed by the Lottery Grants Board to charities and community organizations. The company provides four games, the Lotto (including Powerball), Keno, and the Instant Kiwi scratch card game.
In Vietnam, the state-run Vietlott lottery offers a variety of games. Its most popular is a version of the Powerball game. It is sold at over 12,000 retail outlets nationwide. The company says it has raised more than VND314.1 billion ($12.4 million) for the nation.
Cheng Saephan, a 46-year-old immigrant from Laos, won a Powerball jackpot of $1.3 billion in Oregon earlier this month. He is donating half to his wife, 37-year-old Duanpen, and sharing the rest with a friend. The friends will use the money to start a business and help their families. Saephan wore a sash at a news conference identifying himself as an Iu Mien, a southeast Asian ethnic group with roots in southern China. Tens of thousands of Iu Mien fled to Thailand after the war, then settled in the United States, particularly along the West Coast.
The Maryland Lottery promotes responsible play and encourages you to verify the accuracy of any information provided on this site or the Site before making a decision to purchase a ticket. To do so, you may review the information found in our privacy policy and terms of service, and you can contact the Maryland Lottery for more details. We encourage you to play responsibly and have fun!