The lottery is one of the most popular forms of gambling in America, with Americans spending more than $100 billion on tickets each year. Its supporters say it’s a great way for states to raise money and fund everything from social safety nets to schools and public works projects. But it’s also a big business that drains low-income families, and many people spend more on lottery tickets than they can afford to lose.

In the 1770s, George Washington used a lottery to pay for construction of his Mountain Road in Virginia and Benjamin Franklin promoted a lottery to fund cannons for the Revolutionary War. John Hancock ran a lottery to finance the rebuilding of Faneuil Hall in Boston, and several colonial-era lotteries raised money for towns, colleges, and public works projects. By the 1820s, however, New York was the only state to pass a constitutional prohibition against lotteries.

Despite the ban, many states continue to offer a variety of state-regulated lotteries. The rules vary by state, but all include a prize (usually money) that is awarded to players who match the numbers drawn. The prizes can range from small cash amounts to expensive vacations or vehicles. There are a number of factors that influence the odds of winning a lottery prize, including how many tickets have been sold and what types of numbers have been chosen. Some states also use a “random number generator” to select the winning numbers.

A large percentage of the prize funds are allocated to education, but the lottery also raises money for other purposes. For example, in Maryland, the proceeds from a ticket can be used for anything from cancer research to building bridges and schools. In other states, the money can be used to support veterans or other specific causes.

The National Lottery Association says more than 186,000 retailers sell lottery tickets, including convenience stores, supermarkets, gas stations, liquor stores, religious and fraternal organizations, bowling alleys, restaurants, bars, and newsstands. Most of these retailers make a profit by selling the tickets, which cost between $3 and $5. They may also receive a bonus or commission if they sell a winning ticket.

In addition to earning a commission, retailers also pay taxes on the tickets they sell. The amount of tax varies by state and retailer, but is usually less than 5%. In some cases, a retailer’s tax rate is higher than the state’s rate.

Lottery games are often marketed as harmless entertainment for the masses, with a chance to win a fortune for just a few bucks. For some, it’s a form of recreational gambling that doesn’t negatively affect their finances or well-being. But for others—often those with the lowest incomes—lottery play can be a hidden tax.