Across the United States, people play Lottery and contribute billions to state revenues each year. While lottery profits can be used to fund important public programs, there are also risks associated with playing this type of game. For example, winning the lottery can be addictive and cause players to neglect work or family responsibilities. Lottery addiction is treatable, and counseling can help people break their compulsive behavior.
State governments establish and operate their own Lottery games. They generally create a state agency or public corporation to run the lottery; start with a small number of simple games; and rely on public approval to expand their operations over time. They claim that the Lottery is a way to improve state government finances without increasing taxes on the middle class and working poor.
Although casting lots to make decisions and determine fates has a long history, the use of lotteries to generate income is more recent. The lottery became increasingly popular during the 1980s, fueled by growing economic inequality and a newfound materialism that asserts anyone can become rich through hard work and luck. Popular anti-tax movements led some state legislatures to seek alternatives to raising taxes, and the Lottery was the result.
State Lottery officials have a difficult job. They must ensure that the Lottery is properly administered and marketed, while maintaining the broad support necessary for continued expansion. They must balance the desire to promote gambling with the risk of negative impacts on the poor, problem gamblers, and society in general.