Lottery is a popular way for states and localities to raise money by selling tickets with chances of winning large sums of money. The proceeds of the lottery are typically used for public works projects or to benefit poorer citizens. Those who play the lottery often do so for entertainment, the chance to become wealthy, or as an alternative to paying taxes. Those opposed to lotteries contend that the gambling industry promotes irresponsible and addictive behavior and that it diverts resources from other public priorities.
The casting of lots to determine fates has a long history (and many examples in the Bible). However, lotteries as games of chance for material gain are less ancient, being recorded in Europe beginning with Augustus Caesar’s lottery for municipal repairs in Rome. The first recorded lottery offering prize money in the form of cash took place in the Low Countries in the 15th century.
In the United States, a state lottery began in New Hampshire in 1964 and has since spread to all 50 states. Its popularity has led to a significant expansion in spending, and the jackpots have grown to tens of millions of dollars. State governments have largely come to depend on this “painless tax” and are reluctant to abolish it.
Lottery revenue has also helped fund a variety of educational programs, including public colleges and universities. The California Lottery funds county-based K-12 school districts and community college districts, as well as full-time students at public universities and specialized schools. You can find out how much the Lottery contributes to your county by selecting it on this map or typing the name in the search box above.