A gambling game or method of raising money in which tickets are sold for a chance to win prizes, usually cash. Lotteries have been used since the 15th century to raise money for public purposes such as town fortifications, building houses for the poor, or distributing land or property. Modern state lotteries have a variety of prize offerings and a wide array of games. The term lottery has also come to refer to any situation that depends on chance or an element of chance for its outcome, including military conscription and commercial promotions in which prizes are allocated by random selection from lists of potential participants.

Americans spend $80 billion on lotteries every year. That money could be better spent saving for emergencies or paying off credit card debt. And even if you win, there are taxes to pay on your winnings.

The earliest recorded lotteries were in the Low Countries in the 15th century. Town records in Ghent, Utrecht, and Bruges describe the sale of tickets with chances to win prizes such as walls or town fortifications. Some of these early lotteries were run by town councils, while others were organized by private promoters or the government.

The purchase of lottery tickets cannot be explained by decision models based on expected value maximization. However, a more general utility function can capture lottery purchases as an attempt to gain wealth and experience excitement. Moreover, lottery tickets can provide a feeling of social responsibility and a sense of gratification.