Lottery is a form of gambling in which people purchase numbered tickets for a chance to win a prize. The first recorded lotteries were held in the Low Countries in the 15th century to raise money for town fortifications and help the poor. The word is believed to be derived from Middle Dutch loterie, which in turn is probably a calque on Middle French loterie “action of drawing lots”.

In many states, winning the lottery requires a minimum purchase of one ticket. The purchase may be made either as a lump sum or as an annuity, with the latter offering a guaranteed annual income. The choice of how to receive the prize money is often made by a state’s statute or based on the preference of lottery players. A lump sum is generally preferable for those who need the funds immediately to clear debts or make significant purchases, but can lead to financial instability unless careful financial management is used.

The most common prize in a modern lottery is cash, though some prizes are goods or services. The prizes are determined by a draw of numbers or symbols from a pool or collection of tickets. Costs of organizing and promoting the lottery and the organizers’ profits are deducted from the total pool, leaving a percentage available for winners.

Those who oppose state lotteries argue that they are a major regressive tax on lower-income groups and promote addictive gambling behavior, among other objections. Proponents of lotteries, on the other hand, point out that they provide states with a much-needed source of revenue without significantly burdening the social safety net or encouraging illegal gambling.