Lottery is one of the most popular forms of gambling in the world, bringing in billions of dollars each year. Some play for fun while others believe it’s their last, best or only chance to get a new start in life. Regardless, it’s an irrational behavior. In fact, the odds of winning are so low that it should be considered more like a form of entertainment than an investment.

While lottery mathematics shows that a purchase of a ticket cannot be explained by decision models based on expected value maximization (since the cost exceeds the expected gain), if there is sufficient entertainment value or other non-monetary benefits to the ticket purchaser, the disutility of a monetary loss could be outweighed by the combined utility of those other benefits. Additionally, more general models incorporating risk-seeking behavior can also account for the purchase of a lottery ticket.

The practice of distributing property or prizes by lot dates back thousands of years, with the Old Testament citing Moses’ instructions to use lotteries to distribute land and other blessings. The Roman emperors also used lotteries to give away slaves and other valuables. But it wasn’t until the 19th century that the concept of a modern state-sponsored lottery emerged. This development sparked outrage among Christians and was outlawed in many states.