one of the earliest English lotteries was in 1569 and consisted of prizes of money as well as "plate" with 400,000 lots, or chances, selling for 10 shillings each. The profits were to go towards the repair of various harbors in the kingdom. And of course, when the early colonies like Jamestown were failing to turn profits for the English patent holders and investers, they were granted permission to hold lotteries in Britain to raise additional funds.

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