Lottery is a form of gambling, run by state governments, which gives winners a chance to win a prize. The game is popular in the United States, with Americans spending an estimated $100 billion each year on tickets. In addition, the lottery is a major source of funding for public projects, including roads, libraries, schools, canals and bridges.
The first modern state-sponsored lottery was established in New Hampshire in 1964, and the industry has grown since then, with 37 states and the District of Columbia offering lotteries today. In addition, lotteries develop their own specific constituencies, which include convenience store operators (the usual vendors for the games); lottery suppliers (heavy contributions by them to state political campaigns are regularly reported); teachers in states where revenue is earmarked for education; and state legislators, who quickly become accustomed to extra revenues.
A key argument for the lottery is that it raises money for state government without imposing a direct tax on residents. But critics point out that the lottery promotes addictive gambling behavior, is a regressive tax on lower-income communities and may lead to other social problems.
In the 17th century, the Dutch organized lots to collect funds for charitable causes and a wide range of other public uses, and they are considered the originators of the word “lottery.” Benjamin Franklin ran a lottery during the American Revolution to fund cannons to defend Philadelphia against the British, and George Washington ran one to build a road in Virginia over a mountain pass.
