Online Casino Home » News » March 2025

UN Considers International Lottery

As reported by the National Post: “World lottery chiefs met for the first time yesterday to discuss launching an international lottery that would benefit the cash-strapped United Nations and could have a first prize that makes payments from even the so-called `mega’ lotteries look like small change.

“One estimate suggests prize money of up to US$250-million could be offered on one draw, with an equal amount generated for the UN and governments participating in the game.

“An instant lottery with scratch cards would be the easiest to launch and market, but a pick-six type game with terminals worldwide is also being considered.

“…The UN says it has not officially endorsed the idea, but it is being promoted by Martti Ahtisaari, a former Finnish president who has close ties to the world body.

“…Yesterday's meeting, which took place behind closed doors in Dublin, brought together the 13 executive members of the World Lottery Association, which represents 140 lotteries in 73 countries, including Canada.

“The board members began discussing the groundwork for a pilot project that would precede a possible international launch between 18 months and three years from now.

“…Provisionally called the Global UN Lottery, the new game would tap into a market worth almost US$100-billion for WLA members. Canada's five government-mandated lottery organizations sell about US$4-billion worth of lottery tickets annually…”