Lottery is a form of gambling in which people pay to be given a chance to win a prize, typically money or goods. In modern lottery systems, the purchase of a ticket is accompanied by an obligation to share the prize if successful. Some examples of this type of lottery include the drawing of military conscription, commercial promotions in which property is given away by random procedure, and the selection of jury members from lists of registered voters.
The first recorded lotteries date back to the Low Countries in the 15th century. Various towns used them to raise funds for town fortifications and poor relief, as documented in records from Ghent, Bruges, and other cities. King Francis I was so impressed with this innovative fundraising method that he tried to replicate it in France, but his efforts proved unsuccessful.
Lotteries remain popular with the public, even in times of economic stress. Despite the fact that they are a risky investment, many people see purchasing a lottery ticket as an inexpensive way to potentially increase their income. As a group, lottery players contribute billions in government receipts that could be spent on things such as education or retirement.
Studies show that lottery players tend to come from middle-income neighborhoods, while lower-income residents are much less likely to participate. Clotfelter and Cook argue that this disparity is due to the way state governments promote their lotteries. In many cases, lottery promotional messages focus on how a portion of the proceeds will be used to benefit the poor.