The short story Lottery, from the collection A Small Town in America by Richard Wiley, opens with a scene of a small, rural American village. The villagers are in a state of excitement and anticipation as they prepare to hold their annual lottery. The annual event is practiced to ensure a good harvest; Old Man Warner quotes an old proverb, “Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon.”
Historically, lotteries have been used to raise funds for various projects. The practice is rooted in ancient times, with the Old Testament providing numerous examples of property being distributed by lot. In the modern era, state-sponsored lotteries have become common. Privately organized lotteries also have a long history. Benjamin Franklin sponsored a lottery during the Revolution to fund cannons for Philadelphia, and Thomas Jefferson ran a private one to help with his crushing debts.
In the United States, state governments regulate and promote lotteries. About 50%-60% of ticket sales goes toward the prize pool, with the rest allocated to administrative and vendor costs, plus whatever projects the state designates. It varies by state, but most allocate the money to public education and other worthy causes.
Lottery carries with it the intoxicating promise of instant riches, and it can be very addictive. Many people play for the fun of it, and there are those who do make a living from the game. However, for many of the committed gamblers—especially those in low-income households and who are disproportionately nonwhite—the lottery is not just a game: It is their only chance to rise out of poverty.