A lottery is a game in which players have the chance to win a prize by selecting numbers. The odds of winning vary depending on the price of a ticket and how many numbers are selected. Prizes can range from cash to goods and services. Lotteries are typically government-sponsored games. Governments rely on the popularity of these games to raise revenue. They may also promote their games as a way to help individuals or organizations with limited incomes.

The word lottery is probably derived from the Middle Dutch word loterie, meaning ‘action of drawing lots’. It was used in the early 16th century to describe the practice of distributing money or goods by random selection. It was later adopted in English as a synonym for gambling.

Today, the lottery is a popular form of state-sponsored entertainment and a major source of revenue for many states. But it is also a controversial practice that generates fierce debate. Supporters argue that it is a simple, efficient way to raise funds and that it is a painless alternative to higher taxes. Opponents accuse the lottery of being dishonest, unseemly, and regressive.

The evolution of state lotteries is a classic example of public policy being made piecemeal and incrementally, with little overall oversight. As a result, officials often find themselves at cross-purposes with the general public interest.