The first recorded lotteries, with money prizes, took place in the Low Countries around the 15th century. Towns in the region held public lotteries to raise money for poor people or for fortifications. However, this practice may have been much older. For example, a record from the town of L’Ecluse dated 9 May 1445 mentions a lottery in which four hundred thirty-four tickets were sold. The prize was 1737 florins, the equivalent of about US$170,000 today.
Dutch Staatsloterij
The Dutch Staatsloterij is one of the world’s oldest lotteries. The lottery was first held in the Low Countries to raise money for the poor. It was considered a painless form of taxation. Today, the Netherlands draws its winners every tenth of the month. The largest jackpots have reached over EUR 37 million.
Powerball
The Powerball is a lottery game played by players from all over the United States. The game is offered in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is coordinated by the State Lottery Association, a nonprofit organization established by US corporations and lobbyists to promote lottery games. The Powerball game has been attracting millions of players worldwide for over a decade, and there are several ways to win.
Tri-State Lottery
The Tri-State Lottery is a terminal-generated game series that is operated by the lotteries of Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. It was the first multi-jurisdictional lottery. However, there are some differences between the three state lotteries.
Mega Millions
The Mega Millions lottery is an American multijurisdictional game. Starting January 30, 2020, the game will be offered in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This lottery offers a variety of prizes to its winners.
Annuities after winning the lottery
Many people are torn between taking a lump sum payout when they win the lottery and investing their money in an annuity. While a lump sum payout will likely provide more money now, an annuity will ensure you a steady income over time. The upside of an annuity is that you can pass the money on to your heirs after your death. The disadvantage is that you must take into account taxes when deciding on an annuity.
