The official lottery is a government-run gambling game in which numbers are drawn to win prizes. It was introduced in the United States in the aftermath of World War II and has become a popular source of state revenue. Lottery profits are intended to fund public services, such as education and road and park maintenance.

The earliest state-run lotteries were marketed to voters as an easy way to raise money for public services without increasing taxes on the middle class or working classes. But the lottery is still a gambling business that rewards some and exploits others, researchers say. And the promise that lottery proceeds would go to education doesn’t always hold true. A study by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism found that lottery retailers are disproportionately located in lower-income communities, and that their advertising often targets those communities.

New York Lottery

The New York State Lottery began in 1967 and is fully state-operated. In 2013, it merged with the New York State Racing and Wagering Board to form the New York State Gaming Commission. The lottery offers eight games including New York Lotto, Powerball, Mega Millions, Take 5, Cash4Life, Numbers Midday and Evening, and Win 4. Winnings are subject to federal and state tax withholdings for U.S. citizens and residents. All ticket sales are final and cannot be refunded or exchanged. Please refer to the official lottery rules for more information.