The lottery is a popular form of gambling in which numbers are drawn to determine prizes. Its earliest roots are found in biblical law and ancient Roman custom. Its popularity grew in Europe, with towns using it to raise funds for defense and charitable purposes in the 16th century. Lottery is now offered in 37 states and the District of Columbia. As a public service, it provides an opportunity for many people to try their luck at winning big money.

Among the most significant issues raised by lottery is its promotion of greed, including the covetousness that is forbidden by the Bible (Exodus 20:17; 1 Timothy 6:10). Lotteries also can deprive people of savings they would otherwise have for their retirement, college tuition or other expenses. This is because, as a group, lottery players contribute billions to government revenue that they could have saved for themselves in the form of a few dollars spent on a ticket.

Lottery opponents argue that the promotion of gambling is not in the best interest of society, especially in terms of its effects on poor and compulsive gamblers, as well as its alleged regressive impact on lower-income neighborhoods. However, studies have shown that state lotteries enjoy broad public support even in times of economic stress because they are seen as contributing to a particular social good, such as education.