The drawing of lots to determine decisions and fates has a long history, including several instances in the Bible. The first recorded lottery to distribute prize money was held in 1466 at Bruges, in what is now Belgium. More recently, the idea of using lotteries as a means of raising funds for governmental purposes has gained considerable popularity. Currently, 37 states have state-run lotteries, and they raise substantial sums of money for education, public-works projects, town repairs, and other purposes.

Lottery critics usually focus on specific features of the industry. They point to the problems of compulsive gamblers and the regressive effects on low-income groups. They also question the propriety of government at any level running a gambling business.

Once established, however, lotteries retain broad popular support. In states that operate lotteries, about 60% of adults play them at least once a year. They develop extensive, specific constituencies — convenience store owners; lottery suppliers (heavy contributions to state political campaigns are routinely reported); teachers, in those states where the proceeds from lotteries are earmarked for education; and state legislators (who quickly become accustomed to additional revenues).

The vast majority of lottery tickets are sold through commercial outlets. Those include convenience stores, drugstores, gas stations, restaurants and bars, newsstands, and some religious and fraternal organizations. The National Association of State Lottery Administrators estimates that there are about 186,000 retailers, with California having the most. Most of these retailers sell a variety of games, but the largest number specialize in scratch-off tickets.