Legal Definitions - numerical lottery

A numerical lottery is a type of game of chance where participants select a specific set of numbers from a larger pool. Prizes are awarded based on how many of the chosen numbers match a corresponding set of numbers that are randomly drawn by the lottery organizer. The core characteristic is the player's active selection of numbers, rather than receiving a pre-assigned ticket.

Here are some examples illustrating a numerical lottery:

• Example 1: State Lotto Game

  Imagine a state lottery game where players purchase a ticket and choose six numbers from a range of 1 to 49. Twice a week, the lottery commission conducts a drawing, randomly selecting six numbers. Players whose chosen numbers match all six drawn numbers win the jackpot, while those matching fewer numbers receive smaller prizes.

  This illustrates a numerical lottery because participants actively select a set of numbers (six numbers from 1 to 49), and the outcome (winning or losing) is determined by a random draw of numbers, with prizes based on the extent of the match.

• Example 2: Multi-State Jackpot Game (e.g., Powerball)

  Consider a national lottery game where players select five numbers from a pool of 1 to 69, and an additional "Powerball" number from a separate pool of 1 to 26. Drawings occur regularly, and large jackpots are awarded for matching all six numbers, with various smaller prizes for partial matches.

  This is a numerical lottery as players choose specific numbers from two distinct sets, and the winning numbers are determined by a random draw. The prize structure is entirely dependent on how many of the player's selected numbers correspond to the drawn numbers.

• Example 3: Daily Pick-3 Game

  A local lottery offers a "Pick-3" game where players choose three digits, each from 0 to 9. Players can often choose to play "straight" (numbers must match in exact order) or "box" (numbers can match in any order). A drawing is held daily, revealing three winning digits.

  This demonstrates a numerical lottery because players select a specific sequence or combination of numbers (three digits), and the winning outcome is determined by a random draw of three digits. The prize depends on whether the player's chosen numbers match the drawn numbers according to the selected play type.