A competition based on chance in which numbered tickets are sold for the opportunity to win prizes. It is also used as a form of raising funds for charity or a public or private cause, and of distributing property or money among a group of people by lot.
The practice of casting lots to make decisions or determine fates has a long record in history, but the lottery as a commercial enterprise is rather recent. The first recorded public lottery was held by Roman Emperor Augustus for repairs in the city of Rome, although private lotteries may have been in use earlier.
While the odds of winning a lottery prize are infinitesimal, many people find the entertainment value in the act of purchasing a ticket. They can fantasize about what they would do with the prize money or simply enjoy the idea that they are taking a chance. And if they do happen to win, the resulting windfall can change their lives dramatically.
State lotteries typically operate with very broad popular support. In addition, they develop extensive specific constituencies that include convenience store operators (the primary vendors for lotteries); lottery suppliers (heavy contributions to state political campaigns are routinely reported); teachers (in states in which the proceeds are earmarked for education); and state legislators (who quickly become accustomed to the revenue stream). Despite this broad popularity, few state governments have a coherent gambling policy. Instead, lottery operations are usually regulated piecemeal with little overall oversight.
