Lottery is a form of gambling in which numbers or other symbols are drawn at random to determine winners and prize amounts. Some governments outlaw it, while others endorse it and organize state or national lottery games. Prizes may be cash or merchandise, such as automobiles and vacations. The chances of winning vary greatly, depending on the specifics of the lottery and the rules governing it. In general, the odds of winning a lottery are much lower than those of other types of gambling.

In promoting lotteries, states usually emphasize that proceeds benefit some kind of public good, such as education. This argument seems especially effective when a state is facing budget pressures and might otherwise raise taxes or cut public programs. Yet studies show that a state’s actual fiscal situation has little effect on whether or when voters approve a lottery.

Lotteries are an important source of revenue for state governments, and they have a long history in the United States. In the early modern period, towns and cities used them to raise money for fortifications and other town needs. Lotteries also were used to support charitable organizations, and many religious groups promoted them.

Lotteries have grown in popularity, and today most states offer them. The growth pattern has prompted expansion into new games, such as video poker and keno, as well as increased advertising and promotional efforts. In addition, a growing number of lotteries team up with sports franchises or other companies to offer popular products as prizes in their games.