Irish sweepstakes was a scam says new book

If the book states that the Irish sweepstakes was a scam. I have to say he is not correct. My uncle {Chgo, Ill} won, he bought a 6 apartment brownstone, and plenty left over. So I totally disagree with this book

My Irish grandparents, and parents ushered a pound or two towards these 'Sweepstakes' for years. Believing a Hospital would have nothing otherways--"A worthy cause" as they put it. Duped and robbed. McGrath a skillful pirate.

This is sad! However, It gives me the opening to issue a warning to all, concerning raffles. Just as a cop KNOWS when drug dealing is taking place, I feel that I KNOW when cheating is taking place. I am an experienced gambler (horses & cards), and have seen what I consider to be crooked "50-50" raffles by, of all people, the order of sisters who taught me in Catholic Grade School. Since the winning ticket is not put on display, it is a simple matter for the sister drawing the ticket to announce that it belongs to a "designated winner", who then graciously says to "donate it". However, that ticket could have belonged to you or me!! Remember, the charity is guaranteed to get half of the proceeds, but want to cheat, and keep it all! Regulatory Agencies should investigate scams like this!

If this story is true we were all dooped for years including my family who bought tickets for years, my Dad wouldn't miss buying a ticket. Just goes to show you that you cant' trust ANYONE!!!

What the hell....lots of years dreaming what I would have done with the winnings....I'm starting to believe the calif. lottery is a scam!!!

I've known for years that it was a scam. Other family members told me, and I thought it was common knowledge.

Tell me it ain't so: my parents-RIP-regularly bought and sold tickets for the dual purpose of funding the hospitals and for "a pound and a dream" . . . .

But it was long known that this earned a profit, as well as funding new industry and the hospitals. Unless there is some sort of new evidence in this book, this seems like another example of pure begrudgery against anybody who does well out of anything.

Broadwalk Empire references the Irish Sweepstakes shortly after prohibition was introduced (in 1920) ten years before the establishment of the sweepstakes.

Hmm...if I remember correctly Joe McGrath was one of Fianna Fail's biggest donors as well...nothing much has changed over the years...sure looks like we Irish are addicted to likeable rogues. The more rogueish, the more we likeish!