A lottery is a game of chance whereby numbers are drawn for prizes. Lotteries are legal in some states and not in others because they involve paying for a chance to win a prize. Federal laws prohibit the mailing of promotional material for lotteries, or the transportation of tickets for lotteries in interstate commerce. Some common lotteries are for housing units in subsidized apartment buildings and kindergarten placements. Others award cash prizes and are considered gambling.
A state may choose to adopt a lottery or not, but once it does, the process is generally the same: the legislature legislates a monopoly for itself (or authorizes a private corporation in exchange for a portion of the profits); begins operations with a modest number of relatively simple games; and, under constant pressure to increase revenues, progressively expands its offerings, especially by adding new types of games. The result is that few states have a coherent “gambling policy.” Instead, they often manage an activity from which they profit with little or no control.
The public is not terribly happy with this arrangement. Surveys have shown that a substantial percentage of those who play the lottery say they would prefer to pay taxes to fund government services and social welfare programs rather than rely on the lottery. Some people also think it is morally wrong for the state to take advantage of its citizens in this way.
There is a real sense of irrationality in playing the lottery. Many people try to rationalize their behavior by believing that they are doing a good deed for society by purchasing a ticket and then hoping for the best. These people, however, have not done the research to understand the odds of winning and losing and are making decisions that are based on wishful thinking. Some of these people are even using quote-unquote systems that don’t stand up to statistical scrutiny, such as buying a certain number of tickets in certain stores at particular times of day.
The irrationality of the lottery is a central theme in Shirley Jackson’s short story, The Lottery. Jackson depicts a society where traditions are so strong that no amount of reason will bring about any change. The story has been read as condemning humankind’s hypocrisy and evil nature, but the truth is that most of us are no better than those portrayed in the story. We buy into the lottery, not because we are noble and pure, but because we want to be. The logical mind cannot overcome this desire, and it is no wonder that so many people play the lottery. Sadly, the vast majority of them will lose. But for those who do win, the reward is often not what they expected. In a world that is becoming more and more obsessed with money, this can be devastating. The only good thing about the lottery is that it can make you rich – but, unfortunately, only if you win.