Lottery is a form of gambling in which people buy tickets in a chance to win money or goods. States promote lottery games to raise revenue for a variety of purposes, including paying for public services. But there are big questions about whether this is an appropriate function for the state, and about the effect that lottery promotion has on poorer people, problem gamblers, etc.
The concept of lotteries dates back to antiquity, with the casting of lots used to determine fate and fortune. The first known public lottery was a distribution of prizes to guests at Roman dinner parties, with tickets purchased for the chance to receive items of unequal value. The modern public lotteries have a more recent beginning: New Hampshire became the first to introduce one in 1964. The concept spread rapidly, and by 1975 all but a few states had adopted them.
Today, the public lotteries are a significant part of state budgets. They raise billions each year, and they are a major source of revenue for education, health care, social services, infrastructure, and other public benefits.
State governments create and regulate the lotteries; they select and train retailers to use lottery terminals; advertise the games; pay top-tier prizes; collect fees from players; oversee retail locations and employees; and ensure compliance with laws, rules and regulations. Many states also allow religious and charitable organizations to participate. Typically, the state sets up a centralized agency to manage these functions, and delegated authority to select and license retailers; promote games; select and train employees of retail outlets; and redeem winning tickets.