Geschichte und Statistik des Zalenlottos in Oesterreich

[Google Digital Copy and Usage Guidelines]: Standard Google Books disclaimer and usage guidelines in both English and German. It explains the digitization process, the nature of public domain works, and the restrictions on commercial or automated use of the digital file. [Title Page and Publication Details]: Title page and administrative metadata for the book 'Geschichte und Statistik des Zahlenlottos in Oesterreich' by Dr. Rudolf Sieghart, published in 1898 as part of the 'Wiener Staatswissenschaftliche Studien'. [Preface (Vorwort)]: The author's preface explaining the motivation for the study. Sieghart argues that the history of the lottery is relevant to contemporary policy debates because it reveals the deep-seated gambling instincts of the Austrian population. He acknowledges the support of Finance Minister Dr. Kaizl and archivist Franz Kreyczi. [Table of Contents (Inhalt)]: Detailed table of contents outlining the four main sections of the book: the nature of the lottery, its history in Austria (divided into lease periods and state administration), statistical analysis, and concluding remarks. [Bibliography and Archival Sources]: A list of archival sources and abbreviations used in the work, including the archives of the Imperial and Royal Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of the Interior. [Concept and Nature of the Number Lottery]: Defines the 'Zalenlotto' (Number Lottery) as a game of chance where stakes and winnings are initially undetermined. It explains the mathematical probability of various game types (Amben, Ternen, Quaternen, Quinen) and how the state ensures profit by paying out less than the theoretical probability and using the 'Portata di Risico' to limit risk. It also traces the historical origin of the game to Benedetto Gentile in Genoa. [The First and Second Lease Periods (1753–1770)]: Covers the introduction of the lottery in Austria under Maria Theresia in 1751, driven by mercantilist goals to keep money within the country. It details the first lease to Conte Cataldi, the financial involvement of the Wiener Stadtbank, and the transition to the second lease period. It discusses the administrative reforms of 1762 and the early debates regarding state management versus private leasing. [The Third and Fourth Lease Periods (1770–1787)]: Describes the management under Andrea Baratta and the competition with Abraham Wetzlar's 'Great Lottery'. It details the expansion of the lottery into Transylvania, Poland, and Further Austria (Vorderösterreich), the eventual absorption of competitors into the state monopoly, and the financial results of the final lease periods before nationalization. [State Administration and Early Abolition Attempts]: Discusses Joseph II's decision to end the lease system and bring the lottery under direct state administration. It covers the first serious attempts to abolish the lottery in 1792 due to moral concerns, which failed because no suitable tax substitute was found. It also details the 1813 Lottery Patent, which aimed to reduce fraud by collectors through stricter documentation. [Reform Efforts of the 1840s and the 1848 Revolution]: Explores the reform proposals of the 1840s led by Kübeck and Wildschgo, who suggested replacing the number lottery with 'Rayon games' or 'Rent lotteries' to fund social institutions like the Monte di Pietà. It describes how the 1848 Revolution briefly promised abolition, only for the state to retain the lottery due to financial necessity following the uprising. [Modern Development and Recent Restrictions]: Details the lottery's development from the 1867 Compromise to the late 19th century. It discusses the abolition of the number lottery in Hungary in 1897 and the administrative measures taken in Austria to curb gambling, such as reducing the number of drawings, closing collections, and introducing a 15% tax on winnings. [Statistics of the Number Lottery (1787–1895)]: A comprehensive statistical analysis of the lottery's performance across different Austrian crown lands. It provides data on gross revenue, expenses, and net profit, highlighting the disproportionately high participation in Lower Austria (Vienna). It analyzes the relationship between seasons, economic hardship, and the frequency of play. [Conclusion: The Path to Abolition]: The author concludes that the lottery is an immoral and economically damaging tax. He proposes a five-year phased plan for its total abolition, acknowledging the financial loss to the state but arguing for the necessity of weaning the population off the game. [Appendices: Game Rules and Statistical Tables]: Contains detailed technical descriptions of the various game types (Terno, Ambo, Nominat, Extrakt) and their payout structures. Includes extensive statistical tables showing the revenue from the 15% winnings tax, historical revenue from 1787–1818, monthly distribution of stakes, and per capita net revenue by province.