The Chinese book of Songs mentions a game of chance, and in particular a game called “drawing wood” or “drawing of lots.” The first known examples of lotteries are believed to have originated during the Han Dynasty between 205 BC and 187 BC. The game is credited with helping to fund major government projects. In China, the game of chance is known as “a draw of wood.”
Mega Millions
If you’ve won the Mega Millions lottery, you’re likely wondering if you’re eligible to claim the jackpot. This lottery offers seventy-five ways to win, or 75 percent of the total prize pool. The Megaplier option, which doubles your prize when you match five of six numbers, isn’t available to players who opt for Just the Jackpot, but there are ways to win with any number, and the jackpot is divided by five!
State-run lotteries
Many people have opposed the establishment of state-run lotteries, arguing that they are harmful to children and the poor, and that the government shouldn’t be involved. This argument, however, is far from tenable. Despite the benefits of a lottery, many liberals are uncomfortable with the idea. In the 1960s, “numbers games” were popular. Now, a UCLA professor argues that these “numbers games” are less harmful than government-run lotteries. Black markets also cannot advertise on TV and can’t erect kiosks in supermarkets, so they don’t collect the same amounts of money. Some liberals are also uncomfortable with the idea of criminalizing gambling, and many states have already criminalized gambling, including lotteries.
Taxes on winnings
If you win a lottery, you may wonder how much you need to pay in taxes. While winning a lottery is one of the best ways to increase your wealth, it does come with a price: taxes. However, it’s possible to take advantage of certain tax benefits if you choose to claim your winnings in installments. For example, you can donate part of your prize to a favorite charity. Another option is to claim certain itemized deductions and lower your tax rate.
Buying more tickets
Buying more lottery tickets is a sure-fire way to lose money. The odds of winning with two tickets are the same. Buying two tickets is equivalent to buying twice as many. Moreover, it also means spending twice the amount. So, why would anyone want to buy more tickets? Let’s look at the numbers involved and see what the financial implications are. The financial impact of buying more tickets is quite clear. Read on to learn how this common practice can cost you your hard-earned money.
Avoiding scams
Many people have lost their hard-earned cash through lottery scams. These fraudulent schemes appear to be from legitimate sources, but the truth is they aren’t. Here’s how to avoid being scammed. Before submitting any money to a lottery, take the time to check the details. Often, scammers will ask for personal information, which is used for identity theft. Others will compile databases of people who have fallen prey to lottery scams, and target them specifically.