Lotteries are games of chance that award prizes to players based on the numbers drawn. They are the primary source of revenue for government-run health, education, social service and other programs. They can also be used to fund public works projects. They can be operated at a national, state or local level, and include both public and private entities. In the United States, state governments typically run lotteries. In Canada, the federal government runs four nationwide lotteries: Lotto 6/49, Lotto Max (which replaced Lotto Super 7 in September 2009), Daily Grand and Millionaire Life.
Unlike many other countries, the United States does not prohibit online gambling. However, the Federal Trade Commission regulates a number of aspects of online lottery sales and marketing, including player protection, privacy policies, and advertising standards. In addition, a number of state legislatures have passed laws to limit the online sale and marketing of lottery products. Despite these restrictions, the United States remains one of the most popular lotteries in the world.
A Laotian immigrant living in Portland has won a record $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot and plans to share it with a friend who chipped in $100 for the tickets. Cheng Saephan told a news conference on Monday that his wife, Duanpen, will take half of the prize money and give the other half to the friend who bought the tickets with them. They plan to take a lump sum payment of $422 million after taxes.
The winnings are paid out over 30 years, or they can choose a lump sum payout. Saephan is a member of the Iu Mien ethnic group that migrated to Oregon from southern China. The group fought alongside American forces during the Vietnam war, and some members fled to Thailand in fear of retribution from the Vietnamese government after the war. Today, the community has a Buddhist temple, churches, schools and businesses in the region.
Some people have been suspicious of the results of the lottery because the numbers have appeared in consecutive drawings. In addition, the number 67 is considered unlucky in Laos because it sounds like the word for cat. But Vilasack Phommaluck, a Finance Ministry official who serves on the committee that oversees the lottery, said changes have been made to improve transparency and prevent shenanigans. The ministry may reduce the number of drawing times or move to live television broadcasts, he said. But he added that it is outside his purview to stop the lottery company from manipulating results.