While some people believe that a lottery ticket is a tax on stupidity, most players know that they are more likely to be hit by lightning than win the jackpot. However, the lottery has been profitable for a long time thanks to super-sized jackpots, which generate free publicity on news websites and newscasts and encourage players to purchase more tickets.

In addition, most state lottery operations conduct market research and pay salaries to employees. Retailers, who sell the tickets, also earn commissions and bonuses based on sales volume. When a winning ticket is sold, the retailer who distributed it also receives a small percentage of the prize money.

The biggest chunk of the lottery proceeds, however, ends up in state treasuries. State governments typically take in about a third of each jackpot, which is comparable to the amount received from corporate taxes in many states. Some critics have pointed out that lotteries are like excise taxes, which are built into the price of voluntary purchases such as alcohol or cigarettes, and aimed at populations most susceptible to them.

In addition to state treasuries, lottery profits also help fund education and gambling addiction recovery programs. Most states use a portion of the proceeds to address budget shortfalls by paying for roadwork and other infrastructure projects. Some even put some into general funds that can be used to improve other public services. Only two states, Delaware and California, don’t tax lottery winnings, but most others will withhold a percentage of your prize money.