The official lottery is an organization that operates a state’s gambling games. These organizations range from government agencies to private companies licensed by the state to offer the games. Official lotteries also provide customer service, and they are responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations that govern their operation.

The idea of running a lottery to raise money for public works has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages. Benjamin Franklin ran one in Philadelphia to fund a militia for defense against marauding French invaders, and George Washington used one to help build a road across Virginia’s mountain pass. In modern times, lottery games have become an important source of revenue for many states and cities.

In the era of big-money politics, lotteries have proven to be useful for politicians looking to avoid steep tax increases. By selling tickets with small prizes, they can bring in the same amount of money that a larger increase would have brought in, but without upsetting voters.

As a result, state governments began to run their own lotteries in the twentieth century. Today, 44 states and the District of Columbia have a lottery, though Alabama, Hawaii, Mississippi, Utah, and Nevada don’t (as well as New Hampshire). Most state lotteries have both instant win scratch tickets and traditional drawing-style games with jackpots. Several states have also introduced lottery subscriptions, where players can buy tickets on a recurring basis. While the pricing varies by state, most charge the same price online as they do in-person.