Definition

Noun: * An illegal daily lottery: A form of illegal gambling, often called a "numbers game" or "policy racket," where participants bet on a combination of numbers. The winning numbers are typically drawn daily, and bets are placed through an underground network.

Usage

• The term "numbers pool" specifically refers to the organized, illegal gambling operation itself. It is used to describe the system, not an individual bet or drawing.
• It functions as a compound noun and is typically used in contexts discussing crime, gambling law, or urban history.

Examples

• The police conducted a raid to shut down the numbers pool operating in the neighborhood.
• Before state lotteries were legalized, many people participated in the local numbers pool.
• He was arrested for his role in managing a large numbers pool.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used historically or in sociological studies to describe a specific type of organized crime prevalent in certain cities during the 20th century.
• It can be synonymous with "the numbers game" or "policy."

Variants and Related Words

• Numbers game (n): Another common term for the same illegal lottery operation.
• Policy racket (n): A historical term, especially in Chicago, for a similar illegal numbers game.
• Illegal lottery (n): The general descriptive term.

Synonyms

• Numbers game
• Policy (in historical context)
• Illegal numbers operation

Notes

• "Numbers pool" is a fixed compound noun. The word "pool" in this context refers to the collective fund of money bet by participants.
• This term is distinct from legal, state-run lotteries. It describes an explicitly illegal activity.

Noun

1. an illegal daily lottery