National Lottery Day Timeline

1720

Colonists try their luck

American lotteries go back to the pre-Revolutionary War era. Research shows that the colonies held nearly 400 lotteries in the mid-18th century. A Philadelphia newspaper ad promised a "new brick house" for one lucky lottery winner. Tickets sold for 20 shillings each.

1964

New Hampshire

Although Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands held lotteries back in the 1930s, New Hampshire becomes the first U.S. state to do so. Schools there see immediate benefits from sales of sweepstakes tickets. Today 44 states (plus Washington, D.C.) conduct lotteries.

1985

Multi-state games

Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont are the first states to combine resources in order to create bigger jackpots. Their flagship game remains "Tri-State Megabucks." Today each of the 44 state lotteries offer both Mega Millions and Powerball.