2 ms·

The reason states started running lotteries was actually to deny business to the mob. Mafia used to run the numbers games right alongside the protection racket

by jbooth 13y ago

The reason states started running lotteries was actually to deny business to the mob. Mafia used to run the numbers games right alongside the protection racket. Revenue was mostly a side effect of a law and order decision. I can't say I understand how anyone would be more or less upset about taxes due to the fact that lottery money goes to schools.

bwilliams18 13y ago
Can you provide a source on the mafia connection?
- jbooth 13y ago
  Oral history was my source but its the standard oral history -- I'd be surprised to learn it was wrong.
- talmand 13y ago
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numbers_game http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numbers_game