A game in which tokens are distributed or sold, with prizes given to those whose numbers are drawn by chance. It is usually sponsored by a government as a means of raising funds for some state or charitable purpose. Earlier, people often held private lotteries in order to sell products or land for more money than would be possible from a regular sale.

Throughout history, lotteries have been a popular way to raise money for public works and charity. In fact, the earliest known signs of lotteries are keno slips dating back to China’s Han Dynasty between 205 and 187 BC. Today, many of us still play the lottery. The attraction for some is clear: It’s a way to give ourselves a tiny sliver of hope that we’ll win big—even though the odds are astronomical against it.

But the problem is that most of the time, when we buy a ticket, we’re not really buying a chance at winning. Instead, we’re purchasing entertainment value and other non-monetary benefits—which may be worth it for some individuals depending on their expected utility.

Most Americans spend about $80 billion on lottery tickets each year. It’s a shame because that money could be better spent building an emergency fund or paying down debt. And even if you do win the lottery, don’t be fooled—it’s likely that your life will still be decided by luck. We all have to admit that life’s a lottery, but there are ways to maximize your chances of winning.