What is a Lottery?

A form of gambling in which tickets are sold for a chance to win a prize, usually money. The term also refers to other types of promotions whose outcome seems determined by chance, such as military conscription or commercial promotions in which property is given away. Federal statutes prohibit, among other things, the mailing or transportation in interstate or foreign commerce of lottery promotions and of tickets themselves.

Lottery games are widespread in the United States. Many states organize state-run monopolies to operate the games; others license private firms for the same purpose in return for a share of the revenues. Regardless of the method of operation, most lotteries start operations with a relatively small number of simple games and progressively expand them in size and complexity. In the process, they acquire extensive specific constituencies, including convenience store operators (the usual vendors of lottery tickets); suppliers of equipment or services to the lotteries (heavy contributions to lottery supplier political campaigns are often reported); teachers (in those states in which lottery proceeds are earmarked for education) and so on.

Drawing lots to determine the distribution of wealth or property has a long record, including several instances in the Bible. The modern lottery, however, is of rather recent origin. In the 17th century, Benjamin Franklin sponsored a lottery to raise funds for cannons for the defense of Philadelphia, and in the 18th century lotteries played an important role in financing the establishment of America’s first English colonies as well as in raising money for public projects, including paving streets and building wharves.