I remember in Boston 70s and 80s you could go to any variety store and play the numbers. They would write it on a small pad of paper with a carbon copy for you. The results were at night after the horse track total the purse and it would be the last 4 numbers. My friend once hit for huge money but they changed the results. that would happen on occasion. And I remember old bookies would have a route where old ladies would put the money in a basket with a string and the bookie would take the money and write up the number. She would scream out the window what numbers and combo she wanted. the bookie would place the receipt in the basket.

Fucking good old days until the Mass lottery took th business away. The North End was a greatplace to live.