A lottery is a game in which numbers are drawn to determine who wins a prize. The word may also be used to describe something whose success or result depends entirely on luck or chance—the stock market, for example. It is not to be confused with a raffle, in which people buy tickets for a drawing.

Lotteries have long been a popular revenue source for state governments, and the growth of electronic games has expanded their popularity. But critics say that they promote addictive gambling behavior, are a major regressive tax on lower-income groups, and encourage illegal gambling.

Traditionally, lotteries have raised money for a wide variety of public services, including schools, parks, canals, roads, bridges, and hospitals. In addition, they have provided funds for religious institutions and the poor. In colonial America, they played an important role in raising money for the settlement of the first English colonies. In the 18th century, they helped finance roads, ports, and colleges.

Lottery advocates argue that state government is better off with these “painless” revenues than it would be with taxes, because they attract players who voluntarily spend their money for the opportunity to win. This argument ignores the fact that most of the money from lotteries is spent on prizes, and that state governments have a duty to protect their citizens from harmful and addictive behaviors.