Lottery is an activity where numbers are drawn to determine ownership or other rights. It can be traced back to ancient times, with examples including the drawing of lots to settle property disputes in the Bible and a lottery to fund the building of the Great Wall of China in the 2nd century BC. In modern times, governments and private organizations use lotteries to raise money for a variety of purposes, including public works projects, colleges, and wars. Benjamin Franklin held a lottery to raise funds for the construction of cannons for Philadelphia during the American Revolution, and Thomas Jefferson attempted to hold one in 1826 to alleviate his crushing debts.
While many people enjoy playing lotteries, the practice has been controversial. Some worry that lotteries are addictive, while others object to the promotion of gambling by a government agency. Moreover, the large profits generated by lotteries have contributed to problems such as poverty and problem gambling among certain groups.
One major reason that state lotteries have won broad popular support is their perceived benefits to society. Lottery supporters argue that the proceeds provide an alternative source of public funding without the unpleasant consequences of tax increases or cuts to social services. This argument is especially effective during periods of economic stress, but it also wins broad support even in times of prosperity when the objective fiscal circumstances of a state do not call for a new form of gambling.