Lottery is a form of gambling in which people are drawn into playing by the promises of large amounts of money. Such money can be used for a variety of purposes, including helping others (and one can also use it to buy things that do not necessarily help). People often covet the sums that are available in lotteries. This is a form of greed, as Scripture forbids coveting the possessions of others (Exodus 20:17). Lotteries are popular because they can be arranged quickly and easily, and they can provide good revenue with relatively little cost to society.

Lotteries first appeared in the Low Countries during the 15th century, when various towns held them to raise money for town fortifications and to give help to the poor. They were also used in the American colonies to finance a wide range of private and public ventures, including building roads, canals, churches, and colleges. George Washington even sponsored a lottery in 1768 to fund the construction of a road across the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Most modern state lotteries use a simple formula: the prize pool is equal to the total value of all tickets sold. After expenses for promotions and taxes are deducted, the remainder is distributed as prizes. In some states, a single very large prize is offered, while in others, the prizes are spread out over a number of smaller winners.

The popularity of the lottery continues to grow, though it has not always been successful as a way to raise money for public needs. There are many different arguments for and against its legality, including concerns that it encourages the corrupt practices of speculators who try to manipulate the results and increase their profits by purchasing tickets in bulk. Some states have attempted to regulate the industry, but this has proved difficult.