In an act approved December 15, 1792, the Kentucky General Assembly authorized the Dutch Presbyterian Society in Lexington “to raise by way of lottery a sum of money not exceeding five hundred Dollars, for the purpose of purchasing a lot of ground, and erecting thereon a house of worship.” This was the first of many acts passed by the General Assembly allowing lotteries for a specific purpose.
Broadside for the Kentucky lottery, 1867. The lottery, run by Murray, Eddy, and Co., was “for the benefit of Shelby College.” The drawing was held in Covington on June 29, 1867. KHS Collections.