The lottery may seem like a game of chance, but it’s not just about luck. A few well-thought-out strategies, and a little research, can help you increase your chances of winning — or at least get better odds than your neighbor.

The word lottery comes from a Latin phrase meaning “falling of the dice.” Essentially, it’s an opportunity to win money or goods by matching numbers randomly drawn. The prize money can be as small as a penny or as large as millions of dollars.

Lottery games vary widely, but most involve a draw of numbers that you purchase tickets for. The more numbers that match the ones drawn, the more you win. Some lotteries are governed by state governments; others are operated by private corporations with state licenses.

Some of the biggest winners are states, whose coffers fill from ticket sales and jackpot payouts. But those tax dollars also come with costs, such as paying employees to design scratch-off games and record live drawing events, and providing support for those whose dreams of lottery success haven’t paid off.

Other big winners are convenience stores that sell the tickets, lottery suppliers, and those who make hefty contributions to statewide campaigns to promote the game. And while the lottery may seem to benefit all types of people, studies have shown that ticket sales are disproportionately concentrated in low-income neighborhoods and communities with high rates of gambling addiction. That’s a major concern for those who hope to make good on the promise of instant wealth, but who are struggling to keep their heads above water.