A game in which tokens are distributed or sold and prizes given to those whose numbers are drawn by chance: often sponsored by a government as a way of raising funds. Also: an activity or event whose outcome depends on chance: a room assignment is determined by lottery. [Courtesy of Oxford University Press]
The lottery is one of the world’s most popular gambling activities and is legal in many countries. However, there are some who oppose it, generally on religious or moral grounds.
Lottery games take a variety of forms, but most involve drawing a set of numbers and giving prizes to those whose numbers match the drawn ones. The more numbers that are matched, the bigger the prize. Prizes can range from cash to goods and services. In the United States, some lotteries team with sports franchises or other companies to provide products as prizes.
Some states limit the number of retailers who can sell lottery tickets. Others use demographic data to optimize sales by ensuring that lottery employees and retailers are targeting the right market segments. In addition, some states provide retailers with Internet sites that let them read about promotions and ask questions of lottery personnel online.
In most jurisdictions, the winnings from a lottery are paid out in one or more lump sum payments (after applicable taxes and withholdings). However, some states allow winners to choose annuity payments that provide them with income for life.