Lottery is a form of gambling where the prizes are determined by the casting of lots. It has a long record in human history, including several instances in the Bible. It has a special appeal in times of economic stress, when it can be used to avert tax increases or cuts in public programs. However, research shows that the popularity of lotteries is not linked to a state’s actual fiscal condition, and that the argument that lottery proceeds will support a particular public good (such as education) does not hold up.

In the United States, state governments establish and regulate lotteries. They typically delegate the task of managing the lottery to a separate board or commission that will select and license retailers, train employees of those retailers on how to use lottery terminals and sell tickets, redeem winning tickets and pay high-tier prizes, and assist retailers in promoting their lotteries. State lotteries can be divided into two broad categories: those that offer cash prizes and those that award units in a subsidized housing complex or kindergarten placements at a reputable public school.

Regardless of the specific games they run, most state lotteries are based on the same fundamental principle: selling the idea that a lucky ticket could lead to instant riches. The result is that they attract a player base that is disproportionately low-income, less educated, nonwhite and male. Lottery marketing campaigns know this, and they use it to their advantage.