In 1856, the Act Concerning Lotteries expressly forbade all kinds of lotteries in Canada. This Act particularly influenced... moreIn 1856, the Act Concerning Lotteries expressly forbade all kinds of lotteries in Canada. This Act particularly influenced the Catholic Church, whose clergy had financed its objective from lottery profits for pretty much 100 years. Earning the lottery was among the several ways impoverished Irish immigrants had to getting rich.