A lottery is a game of chance in which people purchase tickets for the hope of winning a prize. Prizes can range from cash to goods and services. Most states run a lottery, although some do not. When a state adopts a lottery, it must gain the approval of voters and legislatures before the games may be conducted. Lotteries have broad public support, and in the US they generate huge revenue for state governments. This money is used to support a variety of public uses, including education and social safety nets. While many critics of lotteries focus on the alleged problems caused by compulsive gamblers and the regressive impact on low-income groups, there are other issues as well.
Lotteries have a long history, with early examples appearing in town records from the Low Countries as early as the 15th century. These were organized to raise funds for town fortifications and the poor. The word “lottery” derives from the Dutch noun lot, meaning fate or luck.
Today’s lottery is a big business, with enormous sums to be won for a relatively small ticket price. It is an immensely popular pastime. In fact, about 60% of adults report playing at least once a year. It is also a major source of income for convenience store operators, suppliers (especially those who sell scratch-off tickets), teachers in states where lottery revenues are earmarked for education, and state legislators.