A lottery is a game in which numbers or symbols are drawn at random to determine winners. The drawing may take the form of a mechanical process such as shaking or tossing the tickets, or it can be performed by computer. The winning numbers or symbols are then extracted from the pool and announced. Lotteries are commonplace in many countries, including the United States. The origins of the lottery date back centuries, and early versions were used to award property, slaves, and other valuable possessions. In the modern world, people use the lottery to win prizes ranging from cash and cars to vacations and sports draft picks.

Whether you’re buying a lottery ticket to win the big jackpot or a smaller prize, the odds of winning are slim. But that doesn’t mean you can’t improve your chances by following a few simple tips. For example, choose numbers that aren’t close together—others are less likely to select that sequence, Harvard statistics professor Mark Glickman advises. And don’t pick numbers with sentimental value, like birthdays or ages. “If you choose numbers that have a significant meaning to you, you’re going to have to split the prize with anyone who picked the same number, so you don’t have as much of a chance,” he says.

Another way to increase your chances is by purchasing more tickets. But be careful: You can easily go over budget, so set a spending limit for yourself and stick to it. It’s also helpful to join a lottery group, in which you pool money with others to purchase more tickets.

In the United States, state governments administer lotteries and receive all of the profits. Lotteries are a popular source of revenue for public projects, such as schools and roads. Some states even use the proceeds to pay for prisons and subsidized housing.

But not everyone is convinced that lottery proceeds are a good idea. Critics say that the lottery is a form of gambling and doesn’t provide enough benefits to justify its costs. Others point out that lottery funds could be better spent on education, health care, and other government services.

While some people play the lottery for the sole purpose of winning a grand prize, most players do it to have fun. The odds of winning are extremely low, but millions of people still try their luck every week. Some people enjoy playing the lottery so much that they play $50 or $100 a week, which can add up over time.

While the lottery is a popular form of entertainment, it’s important to remember that it’s not a financial bet. As a result, it’s important to treat lottery wins as income—not as a guaranteed source of wealth. To make smarter decisions about your finances, sign up for a NerdWallet account. You can follow NerdWallet on Twitter and Facebook, or check out the NerdWallet blog for more personal finance news and advice.