The lottery is the name given to a scheme for distributing prizes by chance. The practice of casting lots to determine distributions of property and other items has a long history—for example, the Old Testament instructs Moses to distribute land by lottery. Lotteries are common forms of fundraising for public good—for example, to pay for school construction or for social welfare programs. They may also be used for sports team drafts or for determining the order of a series of events, such as the seating of an audience at a play.

The idea that people might win the lottery, and thus have a better life, is a popular fantasy, but it’s not realistic. People who win the lottery are not necessarily better off, and there are many ways in which they can lose their newfound wealth. It’s not surprising, then, that people feel tempted to gamble on the lottery. It’s a form of gambling that is very addictive and has been linked to serious mental health problems.

Despite the regressivity of the lottery, it has enjoyed broad support from state legislators, who often cite its ability to generate large amounts of revenue without an especially onerous burden on low- and middle-income citizens. In fact, when New Hampshire introduced the modern era of state lotteries in 1964, some advocates believed that lottery revenues would allow states to expand their array of social safety net services without increasing taxes on the working class and middle classes.

While lottery advertising promotes the idea that anyone can be a winner, it’s actually a very expensive form of gambling. And the odds of winning are incredibly slim—there’s a higher chance of being struck by lightning than becoming a billionaire. Moreover, the costs of playing the lottery can quickly add up and derail an individual’s budget.

In addition to the hefty price tag for purchasing tickets, players also pay a service fee for each number they select. This fee can be as much as 50 percent of the ticket’s value. This fee is used to cover the cost of promotions, administrative expenses, and prize payments. It is not intended to cover the full cost of the prizes, which are determined ahead of time.

The results of the drawing are then announced. The top 10 picks are awarded their respective prizes. The rest of the players are ranked according to their regular-season standings, which gives the teams in last place a higher spot in the draft order. Those with the highest ranking earn the first selection, followed by the teams in second through fifth. Then, the teams in sixth through tenth, and so on. The NHL Draft starts tonight at 6:30 ET on ESPN.