The official lottery is a gambling game run by state or national governments to raise money for public projects. The games are regulated by laws in most countries. While there are many different types of lotteries, most share certain features: a fixed amount of cash or goods is offered as the prize, and winners are chosen in a drawing. The official lottery is a popular form of gambling, but it’s important to know the risks.

The first recorded signs of a lottery date back to the Chinese Han dynasty between 205 and 187 BC. It is possible that the Han used lotteries to fund government projects. In the United States, Benjamin Franklin held a lottery in 1769 to raise funds to buy cannons for Philadelphia’s defense, and George Washington’s “Mountain Road Lottery” offered land and slaves as prizes.

Lottery players spend $107 billion on tickets each year. The majority of the proceeds goes into the prize pool, according to the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, and about 5% is paid in commission to retailers. Some states use a portion of the revenue for state initiatives, such as education.

If you want to play, simply visit your local lottery office. In most cases, you will be required to fill out an application. The state’s lottery website should have a link to the application, which is usually available online. Complete the application with information about your business, such as the address; liquor license number, if applicable; name of a contact person; the names of the owners; and personal and tax information. You will also need to provide a photo ID and proof of age.