has been a fundraising device for public purposes in Maine for at least 240 years.
A tradition brought from England, Harvard College and George Washington both approved them for construction projects.
In 1758 the York County Lottery was promoted to build bridges across the Saco and Presumpscot rivers. In the 19th century the Cumberland and Oxford Canal promoters used the technique.
The first drawing for the Maine State Lottery took place on June 27, 1974. It has grown since then with a variety of games and collaborations across state lines.
Im 1985 the Tri-State Lotto included New Hampshire and Vermont as well as Maine.
Additional resources
Analysis of attitudes of Maine residents toward the Maine State Lottery. Prepared for Chellis, Conwell, Gale & Poole, Inc. 1975. [University of Maine, Raymond H. Fogler Library, Special Collections]
Banks, Charles E.. “Domestic Life in Provincial Times.” in Smith and Schriver. Maine: A History Through Selected Readings.
Carey, Richard J. The Maine State Lottery: A History: March 1, 1973-December 31, 1979. Maine. 1986. [Maine State Library]
Cumberland & Oxford Canal Lottery. 1825-1827. (Cataloger Note: Handwritten listing of ticket purchasers and prizes paid. Signed by Phinehas Varnum and J.P. Boyd, managers. From Maine State Treasurer’s Office.)
Legislative history of the enactment of the Maine State Lottery and Tri-State Lotto Compact. Compiled by the staff of the Maine State Law and Legislative Reference Library. 2010.
Maine. Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations. Financial Statements. Augusta, Me. The Bureau.
Massachusetts. General Court. House of Representatives. The committee appointed by the House of Representatives to inquire and examine … the Proprietors of the Kennebec Bridge, in relation to the grant of a lottery, … submit the following report … [microform] Boston. 1818. (Cataloger Note: Report of the committee appointed to inquire into the conduct of the managers of all lotteries. Includes various statements on different lotteries held throughout New England [including Maine].) [University of Maine, Raymond H. Fogler Library, Special Collections]
Northeast Markets, Inc. Tourist Participation and Familiarization with the State of Maine Lottery: A Report. Yarmouth, Me. Northeast Markets, Inc. 1975.