The lottery, in which people pay money for the chance to win a prize based on a random draw of numbers or symbols, is an increasingly common way that governments raise funds. Some states run their own lotteries, while others contract with private firms to operate them on their behalf. In either case, the lottery draws on a wide base of supporters that include convenience store owners (who profit from selling tickets) and suppliers to the lotteries (whose heavy contributions to state political campaigns are sometimes reported).

The name “lottery” comes from the Latin word lotus (“fate”), and the first modern state-sponsored lotteries were held in Europe in the 15th century, when towns and cities used them to raise money for fortification, building projects, or charitable purposes. Lotteries gained wide popularity in the United States after New Hampshire introduced its state lottery in 1964, and they are now operated by 37 states and the District of Columbia.

While the success of lotteries has been widely celebrated, they have also provoked considerable controversy. Critics claim that they promote addictive gambling behavior, have a regressive impact on poorer groups, and are at cross-purposes with the state’s duty to protect the public welfare.

Lotteries are run as businesses with a primary function to maximize revenues. They rely on advertising to persuade potential participants that the chances of winning are high enough to justify spending their money. In doing so, they must appeal to all kinds of societal interests, from the desire for excitement to the fantasy of becoming rich.

In order to select winners, the bettor’s numbered ticket or other symbol must be thoroughly mixed, often by mechanical means such as shaking or tossing. Computers are now frequently used to ensure that the winning tickets will be drawn from this pool in a manner that is unbiased, and that the selection is not affected by prior purchases or other factors.

Once the prize is awarded, the winner can choose whether to take a lump sum or a stream of payments. The latter option is attractive to many lottery participants, as it reduces the risk of losing the entire jackpot and allows players to control their spending.

Studies show that lottery play varies by socioeconomic characteristics. Men tend to play more than women, and blacks and Hispanics play at higher rates than whites. Education levels are also a factor, with lottery play falling as a person moves up the educational ladder. This pattern is reflected in state-run lotteries, which generally raise the highest revenue from lower income groups, and lowest from those with more income. This dynamic may explain why, even in states that support the notion of a public good served by lottery proceeds, a majority of voters still oppose state-sponsored lotteries.