Lottery is a popular source of state revenue that raises money for schools and public services. It is a form of gambling in which the state has a legal monopoly and the prize pool is determined by the number of tickets sold. Unlike many other forms of gambling, lottery games have no skill element; the winnings are determined by chance and do not depend on the actions of any player. The earliest state lotteries emerged in the immediate post-World War II period, at a time when states could expand their array of social safety nets without incurring particularly onerous tax burdens on the middle class and working class. But the way that states conduct their lotteries today is at cross-purposes with the general public interest. Lottery officials have a vested interest in maintaining and growing revenues, even if that means inflating prize amounts, deceptively portraying the odds of winning, obscuring the regressivity of lottery play, and generating unearned income for private promoters and their family members.

A hush settles over the gathering. The heads of families approach the black box and draw paper slips. Old Man Warner scoffs at reports of other towns abandoning the ritual, asserting that it is a necessity for a harmonious society and bountiful harvest. After the villagers have selected, Mr. Summers announces that it is time for them to open their papers. A collective sigh is let out as it becomes apparent that most of the paper slips are blank. Then Mr. Summers forces mute Tessie to reveal hers, which bears a black spot.