The lottery is a popular way to raise money, offering people the chance to win a large sum of money for a relatively small investment. In fact, the lottery has become so popular that it’s now a part of everyday life, with Americans spending more than 80 billion dollars each year on tickets. But is playing the lottery a wise financial decision?

The practice of giving away property and other valuables by lot is traceable to ancient times. Moses and other biblical figures instructed Israelites to divide land by lot, and Roman emperors used lots to give away slaves and properties during Saturnalian feasts and other celebrations. The modern lottery is based on this ancient idea, and its appeal as a low-risk alternative to other investments is unmistakable.

Despite the fact that the odds of winning are incredibly slim, people still spend billions on lottery tickets every year. The reason is simple: Lotteries promise instant riches. For many people, the risk-to-reward ratio is much better than investing in a business or even saving for retirement. However, many people don’t realize that the amount they spend on tickets is actually a form of foregone savings. If they had invested that same money in a business or 401(k), they would have more wealth to draw on when they retire, or if their children need college tuition.

Although winning the lottery can be a dream come true, many winners end up blowing it all. They often purchase huge houses and Porsches, gamble it away, or get slammed with lawsuits. Some even go bankrupt within a few years of winning the lottery. However, there are ways to avoid these pitfalls. One of the best is to seek the help of a certified financial planner. Robert Pagliarini, a CFP® practitioner, tells Business Insider that lottery winners should assemble a “financial triad” to help them navigate their newfound wealth. In addition, it is important for winners to be aware of the tax implications of their win.

In the United States, winners can choose whether to receive their prize in a lump sum or an annuity payment. In either case, they can expect to pay a significant amount in taxes. For example, if they win the Powerball jackpot, which is currently at $580 million, they would pay $225 million in federal and state taxes. The federal income tax withholding is around 40%, and the state withholding varies by jurisdiction.

Despite the fact that the number of people who play the lottery is growing and that the prizes are becoming larger, state lotteries are not necessarily a good source of revenue. In the immediate post-World War II period, states relied on lotteries to expand their social safety nets without imposing especially high taxes on working-class families. But in the modern era of stagnant wages and declining economic mobility, lotteries can seem like a handout that subsidizes rich lifestyles. In the long run, that’s not a sustainable model.