A competition in which numbered tickets are sold, and prizes (usually money) are awarded to the holders of numbers drawn at random. Lotteries may also be used to raise money for public services such as roadworks or welfare grants. Unlike some other forms of gambling, financial lotteries are not considered addictive and can raise large sums of money for good causes.

The word lottery is probably derived from Middle Dutch loterie, itself possibly from Old French loterie “action of drawing lots”, or from Greek , lótira “a deciding by chance”. The first publicly organized lottery was held in the Low Countries in the 15th century, and advertisements for it appeared two years later. The first English state lottery was held in 1606.

Some people play the lottery regularly, with one survey finding that 13% of respondents played more than once a week (“regular players”) and most others playing less often than this (“occasional players”). Respondents were more likely to be regular players from states where there are higher minimum purchase amounts and lower winning limits. Those who were more educated or in higher income groups were also more likely to be regular players.

Many, but not all, lotteries publish detailed statistical information about their operations after the lottery closes. This includes statistics about applications received, winnings, and other factors that affect how a lottery operates. This type of statistic is useful to potential lottery applicants who can compare the odds they face with those of other competitors. Using this information, it is possible to identify patterns or trends in the lottery that could indicate whether it is fair and equitable for all applicants.