Lottery is a form of gambling where prizes are awarded by chance. Prizes may be cash or goods. During the 15th century, some towns in the Low Countries began public lotteries to raise funds for town fortifications and help poor citizens.

Many states incorporated lotteries into their gaming laws in the 1960s. This allowed them to raise revenue for public projects without raising taxes. Some lotteries offer only scratch games, but others include draw and reel games, bingo and other social games, keno, sports wagering, and card games. In the United States, a total of 18 states and the District of Columbia have lotteries.

In fiscal year (FY) 2006, Americans spent about $57 billion on lottery tickets. Most states allocate a portion of their proceeds to education, health, welfare, and other state programs. Lottery profits also support private enterprises.

Most lottery players buy a ticket for the chance to win a large sum of money. The odds are very bad, but people play because they believe they can improve their lives by winning. Lottery commissions rely on two messages in order to lure players:

One is that the state needs money, and the lottery is a way to do it. The other is that playing the lottery makes you feel good, like you’re doing a civic duty. Both of these messages obscure the regressivity of lottery profits, which benefit lower-income people more than higher-income Americans. Moreover, the message that lottery playing is fun conceals the fact that it’s a recurring habit for millions of people who spend a significant portion of their incomes on tickets.