Lottery:

A gambling game or method of raising money in which a large number of tickets bearing numbers are sold and drawn for prizes. Often the prize is a fixed amount of cash, though it can also be goods or services. Lottery proceeds are used for public, charitable, or educational purposes. In the United States, lottery is regulated by state laws and usually delegated to a special lottery commission or board for operation. The lottery may be a single drawing or a series of drawings.

In the United States, the lottery is a popular form of gambling. A winning ticket can be a source of great wealth, and many people find it an enjoyable pastime. However, lottery playing can be addictive and has been linked to a decline in quality of life for winners and their families. A growing number of state governments have banned the lottery or have imposed restrictions on it.

Historically, lottery draws have been conducted for many reasons, from the allocation of units in a subsidized housing block to kindergarten placements at a reputable public school. The drawing of lots has a long history, including several instances in the Bible and the Roman practice of giving away property and slaves during Saturnalian feasts. Benjamin Franklin organized a lottery during the American Revolution to raise funds for cannons to defend Philadelphia against the British, and George Washington held a private lottery in 1768 to alleviate his crushing debts.