Lottery is a form of gambling in which numbers are drawn to determine the winners of prizes, including money and goods. State-run lotteries are legalized in most states and provide a source of revenue for public programs. Some governments use lottery funds to help the poor, and others endorse it as a low-cost alternative to taxation for those who can’t afford higher taxes. In the United States, lottery proceeds are usually allocated to public education, but many people also buy tickets for sports teams, community projects and other causes.
The drawing of lots to make decisions and distribute property has a long history, with several examples in the Bible. More recently, people have used lottery games to win money or other prizes. The first recorded lottery to award prize money was in the Low Countries in the early 15th century, to raise funds for town fortifications and to help the poor. The word “lottery” probably derives from Middle Dutch loterie, a calque of Middle French loterie, itself probably a loan-word from Latin, l
A significant portion of lottery revenue goes to pay for the prizes, with retailers receiving commissions on ticket sales and bonuses on selling jackpot winnings. In addition, a small percentage is allocated to cover administrative expenses such as advertising, staff salaries, legal fees and ticket printing. In the US, most states put a large share of their lottery funds into a general fund that can be used for any budget shortfalls, but most allocate some to specific areas such as education.