In the United States, the lottery is a form of gambling where people buy tickets for the chance to win big money. The state government sells the tickets and a large portion of the profits goes into a fund that helps pay teacher salaries and improve road systems. People often lose a lot more than they win when they play the lottery.

The casting of lots for decisions and fates has a long history, but public lotteries to offer prizes in cash for ticket purchases are comparatively modern. The first recorded ones may be in the 15th century, when towns held them to raise funds for wall repairs and town fortifications or to help the poor.

State lotteries are run like businesses and their advertising focuses on persuading target groups to spend their money on them. This raises questions about whether state governments should promote gambling as part of their official business and whether this is at cross-purposes with the broader public interest.

Lottery games are operated by government agencies or publicly owned private companies, and they exist in at least 100 countries on every continent. The lottery is a popular source of income for many people, and its popularity has led to widespread debates about its merits and ethics. While critics have argued that it is a corrupt and regressive tax on low-income households, supporters point out that the majority of people who participate in the lottery are not problem gamblers.