A lottery is a system for the distribution of prizes, based on chance. It typically involves payment of a consideration (money, goods, services) for the chance to receive a prize, which is determined by a drawing or other random procedure. Lotteries are usually run by state governments or a public corporation and may be open to all comers or restricted to certain groups. Some states require that a percentage of the proceeds be used for education. Privately organized lotteries have also been common in many countries, including the sale of products or properties and commercial promotions such as raffles. The lottery is a major source of income for many cities and states, especially those in the United States, and has been an important source of funds for public projects such as a museum and bridges.
The casting of lots to make decisions and determine fates has a long history, including several instances in the Bible. The first recorded public lotteries to award money prizes appear in 15th-century Burgundy and Flanders, where towns hoped to raise funds for defense or the poor. Francis I of France introduced a national lottery in the 1500s.
Once established, lottery operations tend to follow remarkably similar patterns. Revenues typically expand dramatically at the start and then level off or even decline, requiring constant introduction of new games to keep revenues up. This has produced a number of controversies, such as the prevalence of compulsive gambling and the regressive effect on lower-income populations.