While state lotteries may claim that they are a public benefit, the net effect of their money is generally negative. As CNN has pointed out, money from state lotteries is diverted from education programs and instead goes to general fund spending. This isn’t unusual, but it does raise a number of ethical questions. Many critics believe that state lotteries are a regressive tax on lower income groups, promote gambling addiction, and create a conflict between state revenue goals and public welfare goals.

In order to run a lottery, the Board must have the authority to authorize lottery agents to conduct sales. The board must also approve the compensation and incentive programs offered by lottery agents. The Board must also approve the allocation of the entire lottery’s proceeds. In addition, the Board must establish a special reserve fund, which is set forth in SS 58.1-4022. The Board must also approve any other matters that are necessary or desirable for the efficient operation of the lottery.

Before the 1970s, state lotteries were little more than raffles. Players purchased tickets for drawings at a designated date and time. Soon after, however, lottery innovations came on the scene. The first major innovation was the introduction of instant games, which were usually sold as scratch-off tickets. Though the prizes were lower, the odds of winning were high. These innovations led to an increase in state lottery revenues. However, there were also some legal issues.