THE LOUISIANA LOTTERY COMPANY.

This article focuses on the Louisiana State Lottery Company. Lotteries of some form have played a part in the development of the U.S. from the earliest times. A large portion of the public enjoyed the fascinating hazard of risking a small sum in the hope of gaining a greater amount. The lotteries for public benefits such as churches, expenses of government, charities, transportation, and education, served to soothe the consciences of the scrupulous. Lotteries were conducted in Louisiana for purposes similar to those in other states. Practically every religious denomination from 1800 to 1845 resorted to the lottery to raise funds. The Louisiana State Lottery Company was chartered as an aftermath of the War Between the States. The necessity of financial reconstruction was one of the impelling forces. The gambling concerns in New Orleans, Louisiana were corrupting officers and bribing the police and it was thought these evils could be reduced by making gambling legitimate. Besides, the scheme proposed would tax the extravagances of the people. The company was a potent factor in the history of Louisiana during the twenty-five years of its chartered existence.