A lottery is a form of gambling in which numbered tickets are sold for a chance to win a prize. A lottery can be operated by a government, an association of players, or private individuals. The chances of winning depend on the number and type of tickets purchased, the price of a ticket, and the prize offered.

Most state lotteries begin operations with a small number of relatively simple games and progressively expand their scope and complexity as revenues increase. Some have become a major source of funding for public works projects, such as roads, bridges, canals, and schools. Others are run to raise funds for public benefit programs, such as education or medical treatment. Still others use the proceeds to reward military veterans and to help poor people.

Despite their popularity, lottery revenues can quickly decline after a period of growth. This is because most people tire of buying tickets, and the odds of winning are always very long. Lottery marketers try to counteract this boredom by introducing new games, and by promoting the big prizes on offer.

The winners of a large jackpot can be stunned by the magnitude of their wealth, and may be unable to cope with it. Moreover, they must realize that they will not be able to avoid paying taxes, which can take a substantial chunk of their windfall. This is why most experts recommend that big winners hire a financial advisor as soon as they receive their prize money.