CompuServe Messages

Reason is, lotteries are sophisticated high security operations. They require licenses and regulation. When the state sets up a lottery, it is monitored by a financial body to ensure that it's all running under the rules, etc. All the red tape type of stuff. Joe Schmoe doesn't bother with any of that stuff. Now, if Joe Schmoe wanted to apply for a license for a lottery, he can. But such lottery licenses aren't granted for personal profit ventures. Criterium is typically that the proceeds must go to a charity, or public/government coffers of some kind. Thus, charities have raffles/drawings/giveaways/lottery type things all the time. But, every time they do, they have to get a license for it and outline exactly what they are charging, how many tickets can potentially be sold, and where the money goes. Jim