Official lottery is a game where numbers are drawn at random. It has become a big part of society and many people like to gamble. However, there’s a lot more going on here than just a simple human impulse to play. The big thing is that these state-run games dangle the promise of instant riches in an age of inequality and limited social mobility. They know it and they are exploiting that inextricable human urge.

State lotteries are a business, and they are a very profitable one. They make money by selling tickets to players who want a chance to win. But they also promote the idea that these tickets are good for the state, and voters are fooled by this ploy. State lotteries are not transparent about how much they make, and there’s no one to hold them accountable for it.

During the post-World War II period, states needed to expand a range of services and could do so without imposing especially onerous taxes on the middle class and working class. They saw the lottery as a way to fill this gap, but that arrangement began to crumble in the 1960s.

In addition to a standard five-digit number game, some lotteries offer additional options such as keno or video lottery terminals. Others have scratch-off tickets, which are often sold in vending machines and consist of small cards with portions that can be scratched off to reveal whether a player has won.