Lottery is a form of gambling in which numbers are drawn at random for prizes. It is a popular way for state governments to raise money for public projects.

In the United States, lottery revenue has grown to more than $52.6 billion a year, accounting for about one-third of all state government revenues. New York has the largest lottery, with sales of more than $5 billion a year. But the lottery is spreading throughout the country. Twenty-four states have legalized it, including California and Massachusetts, which are ranked second and third in total lottery sales.

The earliest lotteries, which sold tickets with cash or goods, were recorded in the Low Countries in the 15th century, when town records mention raising funds for walls and town fortifications. During the same period, the Roman Empire used lotteries to distribute slaves.

The message that state lotteries are pushing, albeit unconsciously, is that luck and instant gratification are better alternatives to hard work and prudent saving. This message could be especially troubling for those in lower-income communities, which are disproportionately affected by state budget cuts.