The first national lottery in Syria took place in 1953. Naturally, the beginnings were quite modest, however, the present state of the National Lottery is not as glamorous as it should be taking into account the exclusive rights granted by law to the National Lottery, and its relatively long history.
Lottery is a guaranteed profitable business.
Profits are already attained by the Syrian National Lottery, but the controversy surrounding it is based on the fact that it needs a major revamping and innovation process, which is expected to considerably increase the business numbers of this important money making machine. In 1990, net profits of the National Lottery totaled S.P. 135.8 million, and increased into S.P. 573.6 million in 1999. Taking into account inflation rates and population growth, this increase is deemed modest by all means. The major criticism directed at the National Lottery is its long lasting dependence on one single game based on old-style revolving wheels.