RIGGING THE GAME


Lotteries offer players a chance to transform their lives with a stroke of luck. However, risk of manipulation and deceit remain common occurrences. Rigged lotteries, where the outcomes are predetermined or influenced by unscrupulous individuals, not only tarnish the integrity of the game, but also deeply erode public trust in these institutions. Here, we delve into some of the most infamous cases of lottery manipulation, revealing how ingeniously crafted schemes cleverly exploit the very systems established to ensure fairness. As we examine these cases, we will uncover the intricate methods employed by dishonest individuals and show how in some instances, they nearly got away with it.


ARGENTINA


Te Singing Lottery Scam Conceived by a group of nine young men who had to ‘sing’ the lottery numbers, this scheme made headlines in Argentina in 1942. Te young men employed by the National Lottery each had their own jobs, and participating in the draws was just another way for them to earn some extra cash. However, the men devised a plan to rig a drawing. To do this, they needed to counterfeit a lottery ball. One of them knew a lathe operator, skilled enough to carve lottery balls from walnut wood, each 2.5 centimetres in diameter; these balls would have no inscriptions to place in the drum when they fixed the winning numbers. During the draw, they would subtly switch the balls and announce the predetermined number. After everything had gone according to plan during a trial


run they decided to rig another draw in preparation for their final coup: the Christmas jackpot. Unwisely they started boasting about it to their girlfriends, relatives, and friends. Teir next operation was set for the draw on September 4 of that same year. But by then word was already out on the streets that the lucky number would be 31,025 and there was a mad scramble to get the number at lottery outlets all over the city.


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