Sixty years ago this week, New Hampshire became the first state to allow a lottery after a long national period of disfavor for these games. Lotteries now raise more than $2 billion a year and have drawn people who never gamble into the game, sometimes for huge jackpots. What explains their allure?

People have a strong emotional reaction to the idea of winning the lottery. Imagining the experience makes it feel like more than just a fun way to spend a couple bucks; it is life-changing. That is why lottery advertising often portrays previous winners and their newfound wealth and happiness. The media is also saturated with stories of big winners, making the dream seem both attainable and life-changing.

But the odds of winning are tiny. Even the largest prizes are only a fraction of the total amount collected by all participants. The numbers are randomly selected either by using a physical system that spins out balls with numbered slips or by computerized systems, so there is no strategy to improve your chances of winning.

Studies have shown that those with lower incomes tend to play more heavily in the lottery, and critics charge that this is a disguised tax on those least able to afford it. Despite the low odds, many people still believe that they can use the money to achieve their dreams and escape from poverty. If you win, experts recommend that you hire a financial team to help manage your winnings. This includes a financial advisor to help you invest your money, an accountant to manage taxes and a lawyer for estate planning. You should also avoid telling anyone else until you have gotten your prize, and keep the ticket secure.