Lottery is a form of gambling in which people pay to try and win a prize. Usually, the prize is money. People can also enter a lottery to get access to services or things they want, like units in a subsidized housing block or kindergarten placements at a reputable public school. These kinds of lotteries are often called “social” lotteries. Some people even play financial lotteries, where they pay a small sum and hope to win big. Historically, these kind of lotteries have been a popular and relatively painless way for governments to raise money.

If you’ve won the lottery, your overriding goal should be to keep your winnings as secret as possible. The more people who know about your windfall, the more trouble you’re likely to run into. That means keeping your job, not making any flashy purchases right away, and generally being understated in your spending habits. If you can manage it, it’s a good idea to hire a crack team of helpers to help you with the complexities of this new life.

But if you’re not able to find a private therapist, then here are some tips from people who’ve won the lottery on how to cope with sudden wealth. Generally, they suggest paying off debts, setting up savings for the future, and diversifying your investments. It’s also a good idea to give back to your community. This isn’t just the right thing to do from a societal perspective, it can also make you feel better about your life.