The term "numbers pool" refers to an illegal gambling game in which participants bet on a number or combination of numbers being chosen as the winning outcome. Synonyms for this term include "policy", "the numbers", and "bolita". In some regions, the game may be referred to as "street lottery" or "daily number". The game's origins can be traced back to the early 1900s and became popular in urban areas as a way for marginalized communities to earn income. Despite being illegal, the numbers game persists in some areas, and has even inspired legal lotteries run by state governments.