Lottery is a form of gambling in which numbers are drawn for prizes. The first recorded public lottery to offer tickets for prize money dates back to the 15th century, when various towns in the Low Countries held lottery drawings to raise funds for town fortifications and to help poor people. The casting of lots to determine fates and property distribution has a long record in human history, including several instances mentioned in the Bible. Lotteries are popular and profitable. They rely on the psychology of addiction and are remarkably successful in attracting and retaining the support of the public.
State governments have a vested interest in promoting and expanding lottery play, since the proceeds benefit many specific government functions. But this fact also makes it difficult for them to develop a coherent “lottery policy” that takes into account the overall welfare of society. Lottery decisions are made piecemeal and incrementally, and authorities often lack a broad overview of the industry. As a result, lottery officials often neglect the impact of their actions on other forms of gambling and on other state revenues.
In addition, lotteries are highly profitable for their organizers, whose promotional expenses and profit margins are deducted from the pool of available prize money. The remainder of the pool must be set aside for paying winners. This decision is influenced by the size of possible jackpots, which must be balanced against the costs and risks of a large jackpot. As a result, the size of jackpots has increased dramatically over time.