Almost all states have state-run lotteries, which raise money for various public purposes by offering small prizes, such as cash, to people who purchase tickets. In the United States, lottery games take several forms, from scratch-off tickets to daily games in which players select numbers. Regardless of the specific form, all lottery games involve selecting winners in an arrangement that relies on chance. Despite the risk of losing money, many people choose to participate in the lottery for a variety of reasons.
The main argument used to promote state lotteries is that they are a painless way to raise public funds. The proceeds are viewed as benefiting a particular public good, such as education. In practice, however, state lottery revenues tend to increase dramatically when they first appear and then level off and even decline. This dynamic makes it difficult to sustain state budgets.
Another key aspect of lotteries is that they appeal to a broad range of groups. These include convenience store operators (lottery proceeds have been linked to higher profits for these businesses); lottery suppliers (heavy contributions by these companies to state political campaigns are regularly reported); teachers and school administrators (state legislatures have consistently earmarked lottery revenues for education), and the general public.
The purchase of lottery tickets can be accounted for by decision models based on expected value maximization, but also by more general models that capture risk-seeking behavior. In addition to the expected utility of the monetary prize, the purchase may provide an opportunity for some individuals to experience a thrill and indulge in their fantasies about wealth.