The lottery is a game in which numbers are drawn to determine the winner of a prize. It is considered a form of gambling, although in some cases the prizes may be of a non-monetary nature. It is also a common way for governments to raise money.

The idea of making decisions and determining fates by the casting of lots has a long history in human culture, including several instances recorded in the Bible. However, the use of lotteries for material gain is relatively recent, although there is evidence that public lotteries were in existence in Europe by the 15th century. Lotteries are usually organized to benefit the poor, but are also used for public works and private commercial promotions.

Regardless of whether or not a lottery is gambling, it must involve payment of some consideration (usually money) in order to qualify as a lottery under US law. However, this definition is broad enough that it could include military conscription, commercial promotions in which property or money is given away, and even the selection of jury members from lists of registered voters.

The main argument used to justify state lotteries is that they provide states with a painless source of revenue, allowing them to spend more on things such as education and infrastructure without having to increase the amount that they tax the general population. This arrangement suited the states in the immediate post-World War II period, when they could expand their services without having to raise taxes on their middle class and working class constituents too much.