The lottery is a game of chance in which people pay a small sum to have a chance at a large jackpot. It is a common form of gambling and also a popular way to distribute things like land and medical treatments. Modern lotteries are often administered by state governments.

The word lottery may come from the Dutch word for drawing lots, a practice dating back to the 15th century. The first public lotteries sold tickets for cash prizes and were advertised in towns as a way to raise money for town fortifications. Benjamin Franklin organized several lotteries to fund his city’s defenses and George Washington managed a slave lottery in the 1770s, which was advertised in The Virginia Gazette.

While the odds of winning are low, many people play lotteries regularly. Studies show that those with lower incomes make up a disproportionate share of lottery players. Some critics argue that these games are a hidden tax on the poor.

State officials promote lotteries as ways to raise revenue for education, health care and other programs. But it’s difficult to know just how much that revenue is worth, or whether it’s even a good use of taxpayer dollars.