The lottery is a government-sponsored game in which players purchase tickets for a chance to win cash or other prizes. Typically, a percentage of the proceeds from lotteries is used to help public causes. The term is also used to describe any event whose outcome depends on chance. This can include a sports competition, a civil case, or even the selection of a juror.

The first recorded lottery dates back to the 15th century in the Low Countries. It was a way for town councils to raise money for building walls and town fortifications, as well as helping the poor. In the US, state legislatures enact laws to regulate and conduct lotteries, and the responsibility for administering the games is delegated to a special lottery board or commission. These agencies select and license retailers, train employees of retailers to sell and redeem tickets, promote lottery games, pay top-tier prize winners, and ensure that retailers and players comply with lottery law.

In the United States, most states have a lottery. Its popularity has grown dramatically since the immediate post-World War II period, when states wanted to expand their social safety nets but couldn’t raise taxes. Many believed that the lottery was a way to get around onerous taxation while still raising enough money for important services.

The lottery has been an important source of funds for governments and charities worldwide. It is especially popular in developing countries, where the government often needs to raise large sums quickly.