If you get an email or letter claiming that you won a lottery in another country, ignore it. Such solicitations are almost always scams, and they may even be illegal in your jurisdiction. The federal government intercepts millions of such mailings each year, and consumers lose about $120 million each year to these fraudulent offers. Besides, it is not possible to win a lottery from outside the country where it is held.
The global lottery industry is dominated by eight companies, including International Game Technology (IGT), which operates lotteries around the world. The company has a presence in more than 100 countries. In a new paper, Kelly Lowenstein and his Grand Valley students use public records to explore how these large multinational corporations are changing the world.
In his paper, “Globalization and Lottery,” published by the Journal of Communication Research, Lowenstein’s students examine lottery sales data from West Michigan. They find that lottery tickets are purchased more frequently in poorer communities. The research supports previous findings that show racial and economic disparities in lottery ticket expenditures.
Winning the lottery is a life-changing event. But before you start dreaming about your new house or vacation, remember that most of the money goes to charities and good causes. The Lottery Office is dedicated to providing you with all the information you need to play safely and responsibly. You can also read our ts and cs for more information.