Then peruse these stories for background on the lottery:

• Gamblers lined up at stores all over the District, hoping they would land the lucky ticket for the record $175 million Powerball jackpot. But many potential millionaires said they would gladly share the wealth with relatives and charities. May 20, 1998
• In the quest for new customers, lotteries in the Washington region have adopted slick marketing techniques to encourage more citizens to part with more money, more often. May 4, 1998
• Lotteries in Maryland, Virginia and the District have become a $2.2 billion- a-year cash cow that relies on a hard core of heavy players. May 3, 1998
• A small Indian tribe is hoping to cash in on America's love for the lottery and infatuation with the Internet. Sept. 24, 1997
• Maryland is intensifying its efforts to attract more lottery players. Sept. 24, 1997
• D.C. lottery profits fell in the face of increasing competition from Maryland and Virginia. Sept. 13, 1997
• If you consider the probabilities, you'll realize the lottery is a losing proposition. Aug. 13, 1997
• Mark Earley, the Republican candidate for Virginia attorney general, has said he wants to shut down the Virginia lottery. April 21, 1997
• In Maryland, Keno is raking in money for the state. But despite the financial benefits, detractors argue it encourages compulsive gambling. July 3, 1996
• D.C. Mayor Marion Barry tried to get Keno instituted in the District, but the City Council and the local restaurant association came out against the game. June 25, 1996