Whether it’s the drawing of lots to determine ownership or rights, or the sale of tickets to raise money for projects and services, lotteries have been around for centuries. In colonial America, lotteries played a key role in funding both private and public ventures—roads, libraries, churches, schools, canals and bridges. George Washington ran a lottery to help finance his mountain road project, and Benjamin Franklin was an advocate. Lotteries also helped fund the Revolutionary War and pay for a colony’s cannons.

In the United States, state governments run lotteries to distribute prizes based on a random drawing. The prizes can be cash or goods. Some people play for a chance at a dream vacation or a car, while others prefer to win a lump sum of cash that can be invested in long-term financial goals.

To win a lottery, you must match all or most of your numbers to the winning combinations. The odds of winning a lottery depend on the number of participants and the type of game. For the best chances of winning, choose a smaller game with fewer numbers, like a state pick-3. It’s also important to know your odds.

When selecting lottery numbers, steer clear of predictable sequences and patterns. It’s more likely that you’ll hit on a winner when your numbers fall within the first 31—and avoid consecutive digits, too. It’s also a good idea to diversify your number choices. After all, it’s in variety that hidden triumphs often lie.