Lottery is a form of gambling in which players purchase tickets for the chance to win a prize. The prizes are usually cash or goods. The game is popular around the world, and governments regulate its operation. Lottery is also a popular way to raise funds for charity. In the United States, Lottery has become a major source of public revenue. The word Lottery is believed to come from Middle Dutch loterie, a calque on Old French loterie, “action of drawing lots” (see lottery).

Lotteries have a long history, both in the United States and around the world. In the 16th and 17th centuries, colonial America had a number of state-sponsored lotteries. For example, George Washington ran a lottery in the 1760s to pay for his military campaigns; Benjamin Franklin supported lotteries as a means of paying for cannons during the Revolutionary War; and John Hancock operated a lottery to fund Faneuil Hall in Boston.

In the early years of American independence, state legislatures were concerned about the impact of the lottery. They wanted to ensure that a percentage of the ticket price was returned to the winner. Moreover, they feared that allowing lottery sales would lead to other forms of gambling. Consequently, ten states banned lotteries between 1844 and 1859.

However, in the decades immediately after the Civil War, many new state lotteries were introduced. These were mainly in states with large social safety nets that could not be funded by taxes. State officials believed that the proceeds from lotteries could allow them to expand their services without imposing onerous taxes on the middle class and working classes.

In addition to providing a source of revenue, state lotteries often provide jobs and promote civic values. They also help to combat crime, promote health and welfare, and educate the public. In the United States, a majority of states and the District of Columbia have lotteries. Many of them offer a variety of games, including instant-win scratch-offs and daily games. Some have partnered with sports teams and other organizations to offer merchandising deals. These ties increase the publicity of the game and attract more players.

Although the prize money for Lottery winners is substantial, a significant percentage of ticket sales is used for administration and other costs. This reduces the percentage available for state programs, such as education. Despite this, lottery officials continue to promote their game as an alternative to higher taxes. They have shifted their advertising strategy away from a call to arms and instead emphasize the fun of playing the lottery. This marketing strategy obscures the regressivity of the lottery and masks the fact that it is a hidden tax on poor people.