Whether you’re playing in a state lotto or online, there are many different types of lottery games out there. Some of the biggest games on the market are the Mega Millions and the Spanish Christmas Lottery, and there are also several smaller state lotteries that you may want to check out.
Dutch state-owned Staatsloterij
Amongst the many lottery systems in the world, the Dutch state-owned Staatsloterij has been in business for more than 230 years. This lottery has been around for the longest time, but has also made a name for itself in the realm of charity fundraising. This is due to its ability to raise millions of euros each year for charity.
The Dutch state lottery – more commonly known as Lotto BV – is regulated by the Department of Justice and Finance. It conducts sixteen prize draws a year. The results of these are always drawn in the presence of a notary.
Chinese Han Dynasty keno slips
During the Chinese Han Dynasty (205 to 187 B.C.), keno was a popular lottery game. According to legend, the keno had a significant role in raising funds for the construction of the Great Wall of China.
The keno was a lottery game that used sheets of Chinese characters printed on them. Players would select 15 numbers out of a set of 80 and place their bets on the number of characters matching each number. The keno grew in popularity as the centuries progressed. Eventually, the numbers were rolled into tubes and sold to players. The game was popularized in Houston, Texas, in 1866. Today, keno is available in a variety of casinos.
Spanish Christmas Lottery
During the festive season in Spain, people buy lottery tickets to bet on the big Christmas draw. The Spanish Christmas Lottery is one of the biggest draws in the country. There are over 18 million tickets sold in Spain each year, with more than 2 billion Euros being won. It is also one of the most generous lotteries in the world.
Tickets are sold throughout Spain, including in supermarkets and tobacco shops. The average person spends around 60 euros a year on lottery tickets. The Spanish Christmas Lottery is held every year. The draw is held in Madrid on December 22nd. The draw is broadcast on television and radio.
English State Lottery
During the eighteenth century, lotteries were popular as a means to raise funds for various purposes. This was particularly true in the Netherlands where lotteries raised funds for the poor. This was not uncommon in Renaissance Europe, where lots were used as a means of financing construction projects.
The first lottery in the United States was held in Massachusetts in 1717 to raise money to pay for war. There were half a dozen respectable lotteries operating in each of the thirteen colonies before the American Revolution.
Mega Millions
Currently, Mega Millions is offered in 45 states and the District of Columbia. The ticket costs $2 and players must match five of 70 white balls, plus one Mega Ball number, to win. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350.
After winning, players must wait 60 days before claiming their prize. They can choose to have the prize paid as annuity, cash, or both. The Mega Millions jackpot has not been won in 29 consecutive draws.