Khristopher J. Brooks is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch, covering business, consumer and financial stories ranging from economic inequality and housing issues to bankruptcies and the business of sports. He lives in Chicago, IL.

Lottery is a form of gambling in which people pay to have a chance to win a prize based on the number or combination of numbers drawn by machines. The prizes are often cash or goods. In the United States, state governments have lotteries to raise funds for a variety of public purposes.

State lotteries typically draw broad public support because the proceeds are portrayed as benefiting a particular “public good,” such as education. This appeal is particularly potent in times of fiscal stress, when the prospect of tax increases or cuts to public programs may be on the horizon. But studies have also found that state lotteries enjoy broad public approval even when the state government’s fiscal health is sound.

Before the 1970s, state lotteries were little more than traditional raffles, with tickets sold in advance of a drawing weeks or months in the future. Innovations in the 1970s, however, radically transformed the industry. Among other things, they introduced scratch-off tickets and offered larger jackpots. These innovations enabled state lottery revenues to grow dramatically.

Some experts think that playing the lottery is just a form of recreational gambling, while others argue that it can be a serious problem. Regardless of how you feel about the lottery, there are a few tips to keep in mind. For example, it’s important to know that the odds of winning are slim. For that reason, you should always play responsibly and never spend more than you can afford to lose. It’s also helpful to remember that there are other places you can put your money that might offer a better return on investment, such as investing in real estate.