The lottery is a form of gambling that involves the distribution of prizes based on chance. The prizes are usually cash, but can also be goods or services. State and local governments often operate lotteries to raise money for a variety of public purposes. These lotteries are sometimes called public service lotteries.

The term lottery may also refer to:

In its simplest form, a lottery is a game in which numbers are drawn at random and winners are selected by chance. It is a popular way to raise money for a range of purposes, including public works projects and education. It is one of the few forms of gambling that is widely legal in most countries. It is also a popular form of fundraising among charities. Lotteries have long been criticized by those who oppose gambling, as they are perceived to promote addictive behaviors and act as a regressive tax on lower-income households.