A lottery is a game of chance in which numbers are drawn at random and people who have matching numbers on their ticket win prizes. Lottery games are popular and are run by governments, private companies, and individuals. Often, the money raised by these games is used to fund government programs or charitable organizations. While there are benefits to state-sponsored lotteries, they can also have negative impacts on society, especially if they promote gambling and cause problem gambling.

Historically, lottery play dates back to ancient times, when the distribution of property was determined by lot. Lotteries were also a popular dinner entertainment in Rome, where the host would distribute pieces of wood with symbols on them and, toward the end of the evening, draw for prizes that guests took home. The first European lotteries in the modern sense of the word began in the 15th century, with towns holding public lotteries to raise funds for town fortifications and for aiding the poor. King Francis I of France authorized the establishment of a public lottery in several cities, and in 1539 the first French lotteries were launched.

In the United States, New Hampshire started the modern era of state-sponsored lotteries in 1964, and virtually all states have since adopted them. These lotteries enjoy broad public support, which is not surprising because they are generally seen as a painless form of taxation. Lotteries are particularly popular in states that face fiscal problems and may need to cut back on other taxes. They are also popular in states with larger social safety nets and may be used as a way to avoid raising taxes on middle-class and working class citizens.