If you’re wondering about lottery tickets, you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you information about the game, its history and the prizes you can win. It will also cover scams and the alternatives to buying tickets.
History
The history of lotteries began in the sixteenth century when King James I of England established a lottery to raise funds for the settlement of Jamestown, Virginia. At that time, the Catholic population was generally tolerant of gambling activities.
After the Civil War, southern states relied on lotteries to fund public projects. In the early twentieth century, the negative attitude toward gambling softened, and a number of U.S. state legislatures considered creating a state-run lottery.
Lotteries are now legal in forty states. Many of the states also have programs to encourage responsible play. Some lottery profits are allocated to education.
A proposed constitutional amendment would allow lottery profits to benefit education. According to the Gallup Organization, more than 75% of adults and teenagers in the United States have a positive view of lotteries that benefit educational programs.
Prizes offered
What is a lottery without a prize? The old “we can’t play because the prize has been forfeited” is not an excuse to throw your hat in the ring. To its credit, many state lotteries do indeed offer prizes albeit in a variety of flavors. For instance, New Jersey’s Golden lottery can award prizes worth as much as $10 million. There are also a plethora of smaller prizes to be had. Having said that, the most arduous task is locating the right lottery. This is where a little online research comes in handy. A word of caution is in order, though. You might even consider the services of a reputable independent lottery grading service.
Scams
Lottery scams are a common form of fraud, and they continue to thrive. Scammers target many people, but the older and vulnerable population are especially targeted. They usually make it seem as though the victim is getting an offer from a trustworthy person.
These scams take several forms, and each one involves trying to get the victim to give up personal information. In addition to stealing money, the scammer may also use this information for identity theft.
One of the most common lottery scams involves a fake check. This is a fraudulent check that looks real, and it promises a large prize. However, it will bounce after the recipient has deposited it.
Loss of quality of life due to winnings
This is a particularly good time to be alive, with the likes of a well deserved paycheck in your pocket. Not to mention that one or two mates with a penchant for the occasional boogie. For the latter, the best place to go is the bar or club. The drinks will be flowing in no time. And there’s no shortage of good food to be had, either! Hopefully you get to partake in the after dinner champagne corkswagon. Of course, it would be remiss not to pay tribute to the ladies. After all, a night out on the town is the best way to make new friends.
Alternatives to spending money on tickets
Aside from the obligatory mortue on your mortgage, a hefty percentage of your waking hours is devoted to mindless gaming. To some it is a badge of honor, but it is also a rite of passage. Luckily, most of us aren’t confined to a single gimpy office tower. And, if you’re a nerd, you can probably find a group of your peers to geek out with. Not to mention, your own personal digital assistant. With a bit of snooping around you’ll be able to weed out the trolls, the slackers and the edgars. You can also find the tyrphees in the right company, if you’re looking for the next step in your enlightenment.