In a society in which inequality has reached record levels and social mobility is limited, lottery games are dangling the promise of instant riches. That’s one of the biggest reasons they are so popular, and why the prize amounts grow to astronomical amounts and become headline news.

It’s also important to note that while many people do enjoy gambling, the vast majority of lottery ticket purchases are not made by gamblers. They’re purchased by ordinary folks with regular jobs who are tempted by the lure of a potentially life-changing windfall. Lottery commissioners have long been aware of this inextricable human impulse, and have moved away from trying to convince the public that lottery proceeds are a form of “voluntary taxes.”

Now they focus instead on two messages: 1) Lotteries are fun, and 2) Lottery revenues are a way for state governments to fund themselves without raising taxes or cutting programs. This argument is a powerful one, and it’s helped lottery commissions sustain their popularity even in times of economic stress. But it’s worth remembering that lotteries don’t necessarily improve a state government’s fiscal health, and past winners serve as cautionary tales about the psychological impact of sudden wealth and all the ways it can be squandered.

When selecting lottery numbers, it’s important to avoid predictable sequences and rely on variety. Aim for numbers that fall within the range of 104 to 176, as these are more likely to win. In addition, try to mix up hot, cold, and overdue numbers, as the probability of winning is diminished when patterns are repeated.