A lottery is a game wherein numbers are drawn to win a prize. The prizes can range from a small amount to a substantial sum of money. Most states hold lotteries. People can choose their own numbers or play a Quick Pick, which lets the lottery computer select random numbers for them. The odds of winning a prize are often very long.

Most state lotteries raise money for specific public projects. This is a popular method of raising money for many reasons: lotteries are cheap, easy to organize and have a wide appeal to the general population. In addition, lotteries do not require state governments to increase taxes or cut public programs. Moreover, lottery proceeds are not tied to the financial condition of the state government: Lottery revenues have consistently won broad approval even in good economic times.

In addition to the general public, state lotteries have a number of very specific constituencies that help them gain and retain their support. These include convenience store operators (lotteries are the most common form of gambling in these stores); lottery suppliers (who make large contributions to state political campaigns); teachers (in those states that earmark a portion of their revenues for education) and state legislators. Lottery revenues tend to grow rapidly after a lottery is introduced, then level off and sometimes decline. In order to maintain or even increase revenue, lotteries introduce new games regularly. This keeps the public interested and, in some cases, excited about playing.