The lottery is a form of gambling in which numbers are drawn for prizes. People can play the game by buying a ticket or pieces of paper with numbers printed on them. The winnings can range from a small amount of money to a house or car. Lottery games are popular in many countries. They are usually run by state governments or licensed promoters.

Since the earliest state lotteries began to be established in the 19th century, they have gathered broad public support and become a major source of revenue for state government. Some states have used the proceeds from lotteries to help pay for a wide variety of public projects. Others have earmarked the revenue for specific purposes, such as education. The result has been that lotteries have developed extensive, specific constituencies that include convenience store operators; lottery suppliers (heavy contributions to state political campaigns are often reported); teachers, in those states in which a portion of the proceeds is earmarked for education; and, of course, state legislators (who quickly come to depend on the extra revenue from lotteries).

Lottery critics argue that the promotion of this form of gambling does not serve the larger public good. They also argue that it encourages problem gambling, and that it can have negative effects on the poor and other groups. While these concerns are valid, it is important to recognize that the lottery is not a simple public service but rather a private business.