Day: July 14, 2024

Lottery is a type of gambling in which players pay to purchase chances at winning prizes, often cash or goods. The game is based on chance and is usually conducted by drawing numbers at random from a pool of tickets sold. While the concept of lotteries dates back to ancient times, modern state-operated lotteries have become one of the most popular and widespread forms of gambling in the world.

Since the revival of the lottery began with New Hampshire’s establishment in 1964, 37 states have adopted such games. While state governments vary in their arguments for and against adoption, the structure of the resulting lotteries is remarkably uniform. New Hampshire’s experience demonstrates that when the lottery is conceived as a way to raise revenue for state government programs, it can be very successful.

The use of lots or casting of lots to decide questions and settle disputes is of surprisingly long standing, with several references in the Bible and ancient Greek literature. In the early West, the first recorded public lottery was organized by Roman Emperor Augustus for municipal repairs in Rome. Later, a number of cities established public lotteries, often with a variety of games and prizes of unequal value.

A state-operated lottery generally begins with the legislation of a monopoly for itself (rather than licensing private companies to operate it). Then, as demand for tickets increases, it establishes an agency or public corporation to run the operation. It starts by offering a modest number of relatively simple games, and then expands gradually as revenues permit. In the United States, the lottery has spawned an enormous industry in which many different types of games have been developed.

While the lottery is a popular source of entertainment for many people, critics point out that it is not without its drawbacks. For example, lottery play tends to involve people who have very limited incomes and may have a difficult time budgeting their money. Furthermore, the lottery can become addictive and lead to serious problems for some players. It is important for people to understand the risks involved with playing the lottery, and to make informed decisions about whether to participate.

The term “lottery” is also used in reference to an activity or event that has a success or outcome that depends on luck rather than skill or careful organization: a job interview, for example, might be considered a lottery.

Although the popularity of the lottery is often linked to the perception that proceeds are dedicated to a particular public good, such as education, studies have shown that this is not always the case. The fact is that once a lottery is in place, it quickly develops extensive specific constituencies—convenience store operators; lottery suppliers; teachers, in states where the revenues are earmarked for education; and state legislators, who become accustomed to having large sums of money flowing into their accounts. Thus, the lottery is able to win and sustain broad public support, regardless of the actual fiscal condition of the state government.

The Singapore Prize was established in 2012 to recognise excellence in book publishing in Singapore. The annual award is open to authors whose works have been published in any of the four official languages, including Chinese, English and Malay. Authors can be either local or foreign, and may submit both fiction and non-fiction titles. Translated works are also eligible, provided that the work has a clear focus on Singapore history. The prize comes with a cash award of S$50,000.

The shortlist was announced in November this year at a star-studded ceremony at Mediacorp Campus. The 2023 winners were selected from more than 1,200 entries submitted by organisations from around the world. These include Indian makers of solar-powered dryers, a soil carbon marketplace, and groups that are restoring Andean forests and deterring illegal fishing.

Winners were selected by a panel of judges that included professors from top universities and industry leaders from the financial services sector. The panel aims to identify the most innovative and impactful ideas. This year, the judges were particularly impressed by projects that are scalable and have high potential for impact. They also lauded the efforts of the winning teams to create solutions that have a broad and inclusive approach, and are easily accessible to all.

The winner was a 32-year-old business executive, who helms the Asia Pacific region of a global energy infrastructure company. He has over 15 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, and was part of the team that led a successful turnaround at a Malaysian gas company. He is a leader in building an inclusive culture, and a champion for diversity and inclusion at his organisation. He is also an active public speaker and mentor, and has contributed to several community initiatives in Singapore.

Singapore Prize winner Mr Tan Wee Kheng said his success was not about good grades, being the best in class or getting a top job. “What really matters to me is that my family and I are able to live our lives to the fullest,” he told Rice Media. He was one of the top scorers in his primary-school leaving examinations, went to a prestigious school and won a government scholarship to study at Cambridge. He came back to Singapore with a law degree and a well-paid government job.

Another shortlisted entrant, a man in his 40s who only wanted to be identified by his first name, told CNA that the prize money would not make much difference to him. “I just like the games,” he said, adding that he stops by the arcade at least once a week and spends about half an hour playing each time. He usually wins a few trading cards. “That’s all that matters.” Read more about the winners and the other finalists here.