Lottery is a game in which people buy tickets to win prizes. Winners may receive a cash prize, goods or services. The game has become a popular source of revenue for governments. People spend billions of dollars on lottery tickets each year. Some people play for fun while others believe they will win the jackpot one day.

Lotteries have won widespread support because they are perceived as providing a “painless” way for state governments to raise money without raising taxes or cutting other programs. The popularity of lotteries has also not depended on a state’s objective fiscal health, as evidenced by their broad approval in times of economic stress, such as during the recent Great Recession.

In the United States, the lottery is regulated by state laws and managed by a public corporation or agency, which sets the number of available prizes and imposes other rules. Some lotteries are run entirely by chance; others combine chance with skill to determine winners. Regardless of the format, a large proportion of ticket sales goes to administrative costs and profits. A smaller portion is awarded as prizes.

When winning the lottery, it is a good idea to hire a team of financial professionals, including an attorney, accountant and financial planner, to help you navigate the complex legal and tax obligations of becoming rich overnight. It is also a good idea to keep your name out of the news and tell only a few close friends about your winnings. This will prevent your identity from being stolen or harmed by scammers.