Official lottery (also called State Lottery):

A game of chance wherein a prize, usually money or goods, is awarded by means of a random procedure. In modern usage, the term is also applied to commercial promotions in which property or services are given away for a consideration (e.g., free samples of a product), to military conscription, and even the selection of jury members. State-sponsored or licensed large-scale private lottery games are common throughout the world, including most African and Middle Eastern states, nearly all European countries and Australia, as well as many Latin American and Asian countries.

The term is also used to refer to an individual or entity authorized by the lottery to sell tickets or to redeem prizes. Typically, the official lottery is managed by a commission or a government agency, and the commission is responsible for regulating, enforcing, and marketing the lottery. Historically, some lotteries were operated by private individuals or groups and were known as private lotteries; these were not legalized until the mid-1700s.

A lottery is a popular source of public revenue and is regulated by law in most jurisdictions. A lottery is a form of gambling and should be played responsibly. If you have questions or concerns about your gambling behavior, please contact 2-1-1 or GamblerND in North Dakota or Gamblers Anonymous for help. You may also find helpful information on our Responsible Play page. Remember, never play the lottery while driving or operating machinery and only purchase lottery products at official lottery retailers.