A type of lottery is a game of chance that provides chances for people to win cash or other prizes. These games are a popular way to raise money for various purposes and can be found around the world.

There are several different types of lotteries, including single-state and multi-state games. The two largest are Powerball and Mega Millions, which operate in nearly all states.

The first known lotteries were held in the Roman Empire. These were primarily a means of raising money for public works, but they also served as amusement at dinner parties.

These lotteries were based on the concept of a lottery wheel. They were a form of gambling and were thought to be similar to keno, which was the first known form of lottery in China.

Currently, there are 48 jurisdictions in the United States that operate lottery games. Most are run by state governments, but some jurisdictions have formed consortia to organize games spanning larger geographical footprints and carry higher jackpots.

There are two main types of lottery games: a) Straight (Straight Bet) and b) Box(ed) Bets. A Straight bet allows the player to win if the selected numbers match those drawn; a box(ed) bet is similar but pays less than a straight bet.

In the United States, state-run lottery games are legal and operate independently of each other; however, some of them are backed by national organizations. For example, Powerball and Mega Millions are governed by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL), which was formed in 1988 with six state lotteries as charter members.