Lottery is a type of gambling in which tickets are sold and prizes (such as property, money or services) are awarded by random drawing. State-sponsored lotteries are the largest source of lottery games worldwide. Modern state lotteries have a wide range of games and prizes, but most offer cash as the main prize. Some lotteries also give out merchandise, sports team draft picks and other items.

Lotteries are popular because of their appeal to the human impulse for chance and wealth. They are easy to organize and advertise, and they generate significant revenue for governments and other organizations. In addition, they are a popular way to fund public projects. In the United States, for example, lottery proceeds have helped to build roads, canals, colleges and schools, and they provided funding for military conscription and other public policies, such as helping poor people buy land.

The first recorded European lotteries with tickets for sale and prizes in the form of money were held in the Low Countries during the 15th century, when towns used them to raise funds to fortify their walls or help the poor. The name “lottery” is probably derived from the Dutch word lot, meaning “fate,” and may be related to Middle French loitere, “to idle”.

Lotteries are often criticized as being addictive because they offer the promise of instant riches to those who participate. In fact, many lottery players say they play to relieve boredom or stress and as a social activity. Some players say they play several times a week or more (“frequent players”), and others play only one to three times a month (“occasional players”).