Lottery is a form of gambling in which winners are selected through a random drawing. It is often run by states and is similar to other forms of gambling, but the winnings are much larger, sometimes into millions of dollars.

Lotteries have been around for centuries. The Old Testament instructs Moses to take a census of the people and divide land by lottery; Roman emperors used it to give away property and slaves; and the Chinese Song of Songs (2nd century BC) references a “drawing of wood” for prizes at dinner entertainments.

The first European public lotteries to award money prizes are thought to have begun in 15th-century Burgundy and Flanders with towns attempting to raise funds to fortify their defenses or aid the poor. The modern era of state-run lotteries began with New Hampshire’s first modern-style game in 1964.

In the US, state-run lotteries have become an integral part of the culture and economy, with nearly 60% of adults playing at least once a year. Despite some initial resistance, they have enjoyed broad public support and have proved to be extremely successful revenue generators.

Lotteries’ success has created a complex set of issues, including problems related to compulsive gambling and the alleged regressive impact on lower-income groups. However, they are also a popular source of state tax revenues without the need for voters to approve additional taxes or reductions in existing programs. This dynamic creates an incentive for states to grow their lotteries and market them aggressively.