Lottery, also known as the game of chance, is a type of gambling in which numbers are drawn to determine a prize winner. Typically, the prizes are large sums of money, though sometimes goods or services are given away as well. Lotteries are usually organized by state governments. In the modern era, they are widespread. In the United States, nearly all states have lotteries. Many are regulated, and some are not.
The term lottery probably derives from the Dutch word lot (fate or fate), which may be a calque on Middle French loterie “action of drawing lots” (Oxford English Dictionary). The oldest state-sanctioned lotteries were in the Low Countries during the 15th century, raising funds for town fortifications and helping the poor. In America, Benjamin Franklin held a lottery to raise money for cannons to defend Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War, and Thomas Jefferson tried to hold one to relieve his crushing debts.
In the early years of modern state lotteries, revenues expanded quickly, but then leveled off and began to decline. To maintain or increase revenues, innovation in the form of new games has been required.
Lottery promotion has raised concerns about the ethicality of government-sponsored gambling, whether at a local or national level. Critics argue that advertising focuses on persuading people to spend their money on the chance of winning, rather than promoting the positive aspects of gambling, such as providing jobs or helping the needy. In addition, the profits of lottery companies are often poured into political contributions and lobbying.