Lottery is a game of chance, and people like to play it. It’s the reason we see those huge jackpot billboards on the road, after all. People want to try their luck, and winning a large amount of money can have life-changing consequences. But a successful lottery winner must be prepared for all the financial, emotional and logistical issues that come with it. Here are a few tips from experts on how to best handle your windfall.

The first recorded lotteries were in the Low Countries in the 15th century. They were used to raise money for town fortifications and the poor. Later, in the American colonies, they were used for public projects, such as supplying cannons to defend Philadelphia. They also helped finance colleges, roads, canals, and churches. Benjamin Franklin even sponsored a lottery to fund his expedition against Canada.

It’s a good idea to keep track of lottery results, which can be found on the lottery website. This will help you understand what numbers have been hot and cold, and you can pick them accordingly. However, remember that there is no single strategy that will increase your chances of winning the lottery. In fact, you’ll find that many of the tips advertised on the Internet are technically accurate but useless.

There are a few things you must do after winning the lottery, and they’re mostly personal finance 101: Pay off debts, set up savings and investment accounts, keep a healthy emergency fund, and surround yourself with a crack team of financial advisers. But one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked is your mental health. The stories of past winners are full of cautionary tales of the psychological impact of sudden wealth.