Lottery – a gambling game or method of raising money in which a large number of tickets are sold and prizes are awarded by chance. Also, any happening or process whose outcome appears to be determined by chance:
In its early years, lotteries were widely viewed as painless forms of taxation. They raised money for a variety of public usages and, at the same time, did not appear to increase poverty or social stratification. Moreover, the money collected was distributed fairly to all segments of society.
Currently, states set the rules for their lotteries and delegate authority to a lottery board or commission. They oversee retailers, train employees to use lottery terminals and sell tickets, pay winning tickets and redeem them, and promote the games. State governments are also responsible for paying high-tier prizes and ensuring that both players and retailers comply with state lottery laws.
The largest jackpots entice people to buy tickets, and they also give the games a windfall of free publicity on news sites and newscasts. This helps explain why jackpots are so much larger than they used to be.
Lotteries are run as businesses with the goal of maximizing revenues, so advertising necessarily focuses on persuading certain target groups to spend their money. However, they are also promoting a form of gambling that can be addictive and has serious consequences for the poor and problem gamblers. Considering the fact that state lotteries are a type of gambling, is it appropriate for government to promote it?