In view of the widespread excitement caused by the Dublin sweepstake it may not be without interest to note that the earliest lottery under which term sweepstakes and other species of adventure came to be included - originated in the reign of Queen Elizabeth in 1567. The first one began to be drawn on the 11th of January, 1569, and continued without intermission night and day, till the 6th of May. 40,000 chances were sold at ten shillings each "and no more,"and the prizes consisted of "plate and certain sorts of merchandises."
Several Royal proclamations were required to stimulate the public to try their luck. Lotteries did not become popular till the time of Charles II., but the rage for speculation which culminated in the South Sea Bubble proved specially favourable for lottery ventures; then there were "great goes" in tickets, and "little goes" in their sub-divisions to suit every pocket. All classes dabbled in chances, and shares were to be had in halves, quarters and other aliquot parts that all might hope to participate in the good fortune held before their eyes. There was much competition among sellers of lottery tickets, and one firm, finding a woman in the country who bore the name of Goodluck, immediately engaged her as nominal partner at a salary of £50 a year for the sake of the attractive influences of her name. Boys from the Blue Coat School (Christ's Hospital) drew the numbers in the lotteries. Owing to the boys having been tampered with and prevailed on to conceal tickets, they were very keenly examined when on duty. Their coats were kept closely buttoned and the pockets sewn up and every movement was carefully watched to insure that the numbers were fairly and actually drawn.
The Irish Times, November 25th, 1930.