The lottery jackpot is the amount of money you can win if you match all the winning numbers in the latest drawing. The jackpot grows over time because the prize pool — the total number of tickets sold and the number of combinations made — increases, and because the interest rate on the sum helps increase the size of the jackpot. As the jackpot grows, it attracts more people who would not otherwise play. This creates a self-fulfilling loop that leads to more ticket sales, bigger jackpots and even more people buying tickets.

The odds of winning the jackpot can vary depending on how the lottery is designed. Many lotteries offer smaller prizes for matching fewer of the winning numbers, while others give higher amounts for more or all matches. In addition, some lotteries have additional ways to win such as bonus draws or jackpot doubling.

When a person wins the jackpot, they are often faced with a difficult decision about how to receive their prize. Most jackpot winners can choose to take a lump sum payout or an annuity, which will spread payments out over 30 years. Many people choose the annuity so that they can avoid paying taxes upfront, but the choice is not a one-size-fits-all one.

It’s not unusual for lottery winners to hire an attorney to set up a blind trust, which can help them keep their identity secret and shield their assets from creditors, lawsuits or family members who might be jealous of their newfound wealth. Some may also seek out a financial advisor to help them manage their winnings and avoid the temptation of spending the money right away.