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The time when North Dakota was almost taken over by the Louisiana State Lottery

The Louisiana State Lottery sought to relocate to North Dakota after losing support in Louisiana, with Pinkerton detectives revealing evidence and press exposes prompting a scandal.
The Louisiana State Lottery sought a new charter in North Dakota, which had a population just under 200,000 and was cash-strapped, after facing uncertainty in Louisiana by 1890.
Using bribes and promises, lottery organizers bought favorable coverage while Gov. John Miller hired a Pinkerton detective posing as C. Wilson, who later refused a $10K bribe.
As a result, North Dakota politics were convulsed and the state's reputation suffered nationally, with the charter legislation tabled indefinitely and many lawmakers' reputations left in tatters.
The lottery's monthly drawings captivated the nation like a precursor to modern multi-state games, producing large payouts including Joshua Chance of Bismarck's $30,000 and David Minorgan of Grand Forks' $15,000 wins.

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