In a lottery, people pay for a ticket and then hope their numbers match those randomly drawn. Winners take home a cash prize, but some lotteries also award goods or services, such as units in subsidized housing or kindergarten placements. Lottery games are found throughout the world, but they vary widely in structure and prize money. Some are run by governments, while others are private or public companies, or a combination of both.
The practice of drawing lots to determine ownership or rights is recorded in many ancient documents, including the Bible. The first known lottery to offer tickets for a cash prize was organized in the Low Countries during the 15th century. It raised funds for town fortifications, helping the poor, and public works projects.
Today, 44 states and the District of Columbia offer state-run lotteries; Alabama, Alaska, Utah, Mississippi, and Nevada do not. The reason varies, per the BBC: Alabama and Utah are motivated by religious concerns; Mississippi and Nevada allow gambling and don’t want a competing lottery to cut into their profits; and Alaska has little need for additional revenue.
There are about 186,000 retailers selling lottery tickets around the country, according to NASPL. In addition to convenience stores, they include grocery and drugstore chains, nonprofit organizations (including churches and fraternal organizations), service stations, restaurants and bars, bowling alleys, and newsstands. Retailers work closely with lottery officials to ensure effective merchandising and advertising of their products. Retailers also can access information about lottery game promotions and individual sales data online.