The practice of determining fates or distributing property by lot has a long record in human history. It’s been a part of the Bible and is mentioned in dozens of other sources. It was used in medieval times for town fortifications and to distribute goods to the poor. The first recorded lottery offering tickets for sale and prizes in the form of money took place in the Low Countries in the 15th century. It was a popular fundraising method in colonial America, where it helped finance roads, libraries, churches, colleges, canals, and bridges. It also provided funds for the Revolutionary War and early colonial institutions.
When state legislatures approve a lottery, they usually require the public to vote on the measure. In almost every case, voters support it. The principal argument for the lottery is that it provides a source of “painless” revenue: gamblers voluntarily spend their money on chance (as opposed to being taxed). State officials, in turn, use the proceeds for the public good.
The popularity of the lottery is also a sign that people’s attitudes toward gambling have changed significantly over time. A lottery is now one of the most common forms of gambling in the United States. When the lottery was first introduced, it was seen as a way for states to fund an ever-expanding array of services without imposing a burden on working families. That arrangement worked well in the post-World War II period. It became increasingly difficult to maintain it as the costs of social services climbed.
