The lottery is a form of gambling in which numbers are drawn at random to determine prize money. People play it for fun and it contributes billions to the economy each year. However, the odds of winning are low and it is more of a waste of money than other forms of gambling.
The drawing of lots to determine ownership or other rights has a long history, with several examples in the Bible and early Western documents. Lotteries first became widespread in the modern sense of the word during the fifteenth century in the Netherlands, raising funds for town fortifications and helping the poor. At the same time, public opinion turned against taxes and many citizens felt that lotteries were a kind of hidden tax.
In Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Lottery,” a group of villagers gather together to participate in a lottery. They are awaiting the results of the draw which will decide who among them is going to be stoned to death. The story explores themes of violence, devotion to traditions and the fear to change the status quo.
State-run lotteries are a major source of revenue in many countries and the business of advertising must focus on persuading target groups to spend their money. This raises important issues about the nature of the business and its social responsibilities: does it promote gambling which has negative consequences for the poor, problem gamblers, etc? And, in general, is this a function which should be carried out by governments at all?
