In the United States, state governments run the majority of the lotteries. As a monopoly, they do not allow commercial competition, so profits go to fund government programs. As of August 2004, forty states operated lotteries. Of these, nine saw declining sales. The largest decline was in Delaware, where sales dropped 6.8%. However, sales increased in West Virginia, Puerto Rico, Florida, and Missouri, which accounted for two-thirds of the growth in sales.

While most modern lotteries are free from monopolistic competitions, many have entered into joint merchandising deals with major corporations and brands. In the early 2000s, several states offered prizes such as Harley-Davidson motorcycles to people who won a scratch-off game. Brand-name lottery games are also popular, and many of them feature famous celebrities, sports figures, and cartoon characters. Ultimately, both the lotteries and the companies benefit from the promotion.

The lottery’s popularity began with the southern states, which increasingly relied on the games after the Civil War. In Louisiana, for instance, the state legislature granted exclusive lottery-provision status to the Louisiana Lottery Company in 1868. In return for the privilege, the company agreed to pay $40,000 a year to the Charity Hospital of New Orleans. Furthermore, the company was permitted to keep all of the revenue, and the money was taxed at a zero percent rate. During the nineteenth century, most colonial-era lotteries failed.

Retailers of lottery tickets are rewarded by commissions from every ticket sold. In addition to receiving a percentage of the proceeds from lottery sales, lottery retailers also receive incentives to increase sales. Most states also implement incentive-based programs for retailers, including bonuses for retailers that sell more tickets than expected. In January 2000, the Wisconsin lottery began a program that paid bonuses to retailers who sold more lottery tickets. This program has prompted lottery retailers to invest a significant portion of their operating budget into advertising.