Lottery, also known as the state lottery or a public lotto, is a type of gambling in which numbers are drawn for a prize. Various prizes may be offered, including cash, merchandise or services. The lottery is a form of legalized gambling and is regulated by government statutes or law enforcement agencies. In the United States, state-run lotteries are the most common. Private organizations also run lotteries. The term “lottery” derives from the Old Dutch word lot, meaning fate or destiny. The practice of making decisions or determining fate by casting lots has an ancient record, with many references in the Bible and the ancient Roman custom of giving away property and slaves by lottery. The first modern public lotteries, however, were established in the 15th century in Burgundy and Flanders by towns trying to raise money for town fortifications and to help the poor.

The popularity of lottery games reflects the fact that people are always seeking ways to improve their chances of winning. The most important financial decision a lottery winner will make, however, is not what to do with the money but whom to trust to manage it for him or her.

Having trusted financial experts on hand will provide the peace of mind that comes from knowing that even the most improbable jackpot is manageable. This is especially true in jurisdictions that require lottery winners to disclose their prizes in a public forum, where the pitfalls of jealousy and bad advice can be more likely.