The sweepstake history begins in the XIX century. It was quite popular then among individuals to agree on bets with their friends and acquaintances. The number of bettors was growing, and sometimes it happened so that intermediaries who organized wagers collected money and then run away without paying off the winnings. That is why in 1865 in Paris Oller opened a central office for taking bets under his own responsibility. This business had great success and caused the appearance of similar offices. However at hippodromes they were forbidden soon. In 1866 there appeared Englishmen who called themselves “bookmakers”, and took bets on the basis of the horses’ status and their chances to win. In 1874 Oller invented a new game that was called in French “pari mutuel” (a sweepstake). The game became more and more popular, and races have become gambling places. In 1876 sportsbooks were forbidden all over France, but gambling went on spreading as wagers were partially permitted. In 1887 all wagers were forbidden everywhere no matter who took them, individuals or agencies. But sweepstakes already had their fans, and racer societies applied to the government for a permission to launch a sweepstake with governmentally authorized rules. In 1888 official sweepstakes were launched at hippodromes, in 1891 and 1896 there appeared laws regulating their activity. The profit gained from the sweepstakes could not be mixed with other profits, it was to be spent under governmental supervision mainly on raising prizes, bonuses and subsidies. In 1895 the total of all the wages at French hippodromes made up 163018413 francs, 1% of which was spent on promoting horse breeding, 2% on charity, and 4% for benefit of the racer societies.

Nowadays in most European countries a sweepstake cannot be launched without special governmental permission, except for non-public sweepstakes set up only for members of a certain club or society. In Germany since 1894 sweepstakes are subject to a special tax for lotteries. In 1889 Russia has established sweepstake rules by administrative means, which set up a minimum wager of 10 roubles.

Modern technology of our time has made a sweepstake even more popular. An online sportsbook is available to anyone, its rules cannot be strictly regulated, as a website may be hosted offshore thus avoiding any governmental restrictions. But there is a regulation that always works, which is called competition. Competition makes sweepstakes seek popularity, good reputation, and clients’ trust, that is why leading sweepstakes never cheat. If you are willing to bet in a sportsbook online, use the most famous ones. There is a great number of reliable sweepstakes well-known all over the globe. They are waiting for you!