A lottery is a type of gambling in which participants pay a small amount of money for the chance to win a larger sum. The prize can be anything from a few dollars to the right to live in a subsidized housing block or a place in a particular kindergarten. Regardless of how much is paid, it is important to realize that winning the lottery involves taking an enormous risk with an uncertain outcome. Despite the risks, lotteries are popular and widely used. Some of the largest prizes in history have been won by lottery participants.
In the story, a group of villager’s gather in the town square for their yearly lottery. Children on summer break are the first to assemble, and then adults. The villagers take turns selecting stones from the pile that has been prepared earlier by the children. Finally, Mrs. Delacroix selects a stone large enough to require both hands. The narrator reminds us that everyone must participate, even mute Tessie. The villagers then begin hurling the stones at Tessie, which she tries to evade, protesting that the lottery was unfair.
While the popularity of lotteries has grown in recent decades, research indicates that they are inherently problematic. Although state coffers swell with ticket sales and winners, studies have found that lottery profits come from low-income people and minorities. Moreover, a lottery’s promotion of gambling is at odds with state’s responsibility to serve the public interest.