Lottery is a type of gambling in which numbers are drawn at random to determine the winner. It is common in states with state-sponsored lotteries, and is also a way to distribute prizes for certain public purposes such as education. Lotteries are a type of indirect tax, since the money collected from the ticket sales goes to the state government. While the use of lots to decide fates and to acquire property has a long history, the modern lottery is an example of a state-sponsored game.
The story The Lottery by Shirley Jackson is a critique of people’s blind following of outdated traditions and rituals. The villagers do not even remember why they have the lottery. They just follow it because they always do it, and they are afraid to question the status quo. The theme of family is also important in this story. Tessie Hutchinson’s family members did not support her or show any loyalty to her, even after they knew she would be stoned to death. The story demonstrates that family relationships are superficial and based on a desire for self-preservation.
When a lottery is established, the state legislates a monopoly for itself; establishes a public agency or a private corporation to run it; begins with a modest number of relatively simple games; and then, under constant pressure to generate additional revenues, progressively expands the program. In addition, state lotteries develop extensive specific constituencies such as convenience store operators, lottery suppliers (heavy contributions from these groups to state political campaigns are regularly reported), teachers in those states where a portion of the proceeds is earmarked for education, etc.