The lottery is a form of gambling that raises money for public uses such as education. It has been around for centuries. Its earliest recorded signs are keno slips from the Chinese Han dynasty (205–187 BC). Lottery advertising is designed to persuade people to spend their money on tickets and is often at cross-purposes with the larger public interest, raising questions about its role in society.

Despite the popular myth that all it takes to win the lottery is luck and persistence, winning the jackpot requires a combination of math, strategy and financial discipline. A good start is to consult a financial advisor who can help you determine how much you can safely afford to invest and how you might structure your winnings, such as taking a lump sum or annuity payments. It’s also important to factor in your tax liabilities and set aside some of your winnings for retirement savings and other long-term goals.

If you choose to play, Harvard statistics professor Mark Glickman suggests avoiding numbers associated with significant dates and digits like home addresses and birthdays—others are likely to select them too, and repeating number patterns can lower your chances of winning. He also recommends playing a lesser-known game, which can have better odds because of less competition. And, to increase your odds, buy more tickets.