Lottery is a game in which tickets are sold and prizes are given to those whose numbers are drawn by chance. It is often used by states and organizations as a way of raising money. It is a form of gambling because the chances of winning are slim. It is also a form of altruism because the winners can use the prize money to help others.
Lotteries have a long history. They were first recorded in the Low Countries in the 15th century as a means of raising funds for town fortifications and helping the poor. They gained a wider popularity in the 17th century, when Francis I of France introduced a national lottery to help his state finances.
In recent years, lottery revenues have been used to support a wide range of public services. However, there are concerns about the way these revenue streams are managed. In an anti-tax era, many people believe that state governments are relying too heavily on these “painless” lottery revenues and are under pressure to increase them even faster than they can grow.
The State Controller’s Office determines how much Lottery funds are dispersed to each county in California. To view the amounts allocated to each county, click on a county in the map or type in the name of the county in the search box above. This information is updated quarterly.