A lottery is a form of gambling in which numbers or symbols are drawn at random for a prize. Some governments outlaw it, while others endorse it to the extent of organizing state-administered lotteries. The earliest recorded lotteries sold tickets for a chance to win money, but modern lotteries also offer prizes such as vacations and vehicles. The chances of winning are typically very low, and the vast majority of ticket sales are to people who never expect to actually win a prize.

The earliest lottery records come from the 15th century, when various towns held public lotteries to raise funds for town fortifications and to help the poor. The lottery system was popular in colonial America, with Benjamin Franklin raising money to buy cannons for the city of Philadelphia, and George Washington organizing a lottery to fund his expedition against Canada.

In the modern era of state-administered lotteries, there are many different games to choose from. Some of the most popular involve drawing combinations of numbers, while others offer instant games such as scratch-off tickets that reveal prizes ranging from cash to goods and services. Regardless of the type of game, the odds of winning vary greatly and are influenced by factors such as how many people play, and the cost of the ticket and the size of the prize.

Lottery revenues are used for a variety of public purposes, including education, roads, and infrastructure. Generally, the winner of a lottery has the option to receive the prize in one lump sum or in annual installments.