The practice of dividing property by lot is not new. In fact, it dates back to ancient times. Old Testament scripture instructs Moses to divide land in Israel by lot. Roman emperors also used lotteries as a means to distribute property and slaves. Lotteries were even part of the dinner entertainment in ancient Rome. The word “apophoreta” translates as “that which is carried home.”
European lotteries account for 40-45% of world lottery sales
There are currently 75 national lotteries operating in Europe. As of 2003, European lotteries accounted for 40-45% of world lottery sales, according to the Scientific Games Corporation. France, Italy, and Spain made up the top five lotteries. In 2004, they teamed up to form the Euro Millions lottery and increased sales in each partner country by at least 50%. While the NGISC report does not provide any evidence supporting this claim, it is undoubtedly true that European lotteries account for the majority of the world’s lottery market.
The lottery industry is highly profitable, and the global market is worth more than US$120 billion. Europe is the largest lottery market worldwide, followed by North America, Asia, and the Middle East. In 2001, the global gambling industry generated gross revenues of US$950 billion. After taxes, the industry generated a net profit of US$115 billion. In 2007, Global Betting and Gaming Consultants estimated that lottery sales generated US$10 billion in the United Kingdom.
Polls show support for a lottery
North Carolina is one of only 12 states in the country without a state lottery, and is the only lottery-free state on the east coast. Residents in surrounding states have been playing the lottery numbers game for years. However, the state’s Democratic Party chairman did not care that students in South Carolina ranked last in the nation on the S.A.T. college entrance exam. So, what would Hodges do? He pushed for a referendum that was on the Nov. 5 ballot.
But there are some obstacles to the lottery’s success in Oklahoma. The lottery has faced opposition in the legislature, and proponents have not given up hope. After all, the lottery bill passed the House by a narrow margin, and Gov. Brad Henry hopes to get a high score on it in the upcoming elections. After all, the lottery issue is a partisan issue and Democrats who support the lottery will likely use it against Republicans in the general election.
