The lottery is a game of chance in which people pay money for the opportunity to win a prize. The process of allocating prizes is usually purely chance-based, although it can be combined with elements of skill (see the section ‘When is a lottery not a lottery?’ for more information). The first recorded lotteries were in the Low Countries in the 15th century, where towns held them to raise money for town fortifications and the poor.

Lottery tickets are sold at many different places, including grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores, banks and credit unions, travel agencies, churches and fraternal organizations, bowling alleys, restaurants and bars, and newsstands. They can also be purchased online. Several hundred thousand retailers sell lottery tickets in the United States. Retailers must be licensed by a state or sponsor to sell tickets, and they must follow specific rules regarding sales, advertising, and distribution. Some retailers specialize in selling lottery tickets, and others sell a variety of products in addition to the tickets.

Most state governments use lotteries to generate significant revenue for their services, including education and public safety. Lottery revenues are not as transparent as a tax, though, so consumers may be unaware that they are paying an implicit tax every time they buy a ticket. Some people play the lottery for fun, while others believe that winning the big prize will give them a new start in life. The latter group is likely influenced by the media, which promotes the idea that anyone can change their fortunes with the right lottery strategy.