A lottery is a gambling game in which tickets are sold for a chance to win prizes. In the United States, lotteries are run by state governments and may raise money for public or private purposes. Lottery prizes may include cash or goods, such as electronics, cars, and vacations. Some states also offer scholarships. Historically, lotteries have been a popular way to fund state government programs.

In the era of post-World War II economic expansion, many states looked to lotteries as an easy revenue source that allowed them to increase their array of services without increasing taxes on lower-income people. But as the economy has slowed, these same states are now facing rising costs and a diminished capacity to meet them.

Some are looking for ways to raise additional revenue, including the idea of a state-wide lottery. But there are serious ramifications to that approach.

When you look at the numbers, there’s an awful lot that needs to go right for the system to work. For one, it’s regressive. People from poorer neighborhoods spend more on tickets than they win in prizes. And when you couple that with a high prevalence of compulsive gambling disorder among lottery players, it’s not hard to see why states are starting to worry about the effect.