Since 1964, when New Hampshire became the first to offer a state lottery, 44 states have started their own or joined multi-state jackpots.
More than 200,000 retail stores and other outlets in the United States sell lottery tickets.
That’s because when one state adds a lottery, people often flood across state lines to buy tickets.
Recently, states that have adopted lotteries have emphasized that sales from tickets will go to social programs.
The people likeliest to buy tickets are often the same ones who most rely on these government programs, he said.