In truth, though, the draw has become something less than a random lottery.

Federal judges are assigned cases through a random lottery.

Each year, new students are selected based on a random lottery from the applications received.

They provide access and opportunity to all Americans, not merely those with the financial means or the winners of a random lottery.

"I can register you for the random lottery," answered the man, working his board and smiling slightly.

As a charter school, it admits applicants by random lottery.

If more than one person submits on a single home a selection will be made by random lottery.

Some schools make final admissions decisions through a random lottery, but many do not.

"Maybe we could have a random lottery in every state, so you wouldn't be just inviting the well-known and business people," she said at the time.

Admission is determined by a random lottery and is open to all students.