You appear to be describing a **rotating savings and credit association** (ROSCA) (references: [Wikipedia][1], [Investopedia][2]). This is not a "game", but an informal financial institution that acts as an alternative to banks. **The winner of the lottery is given a loan** (not a lottery prize or free money).

ROSCAs are useful in communities that have limited access to banking services (e.g. remote areas, places with underdeveloped banking systems, etc.). These associations are based on social trust.  Note that lotteries are not a necessary feature of these associations. The recipient of funds could be chosen using a circular queue, or based on submitting a loan application, or using a lottery, etc.

> Is money rotation a profitable game?

i.e. How much money can I earn from my "deposits" in a ROSCA?

First, let's prioritize the preservation of capital instead of the potential for profit. ROSCAs are based on social trust among the association's members. If you don't trust the other members, then don't join. If you intend to scam the other members by deliberately defaulting on your loan and keep the money for yourself, then please don't join. If you have access to reliable banking services, then putting your deposits in the bank may be a much safer choice.

If you want to get higher interest on your deposits, you will need to evaluate the situation of ROSCAs vs banks. You will need to balance the risk of loss of principal (presumably higher in ROSCAs) vs the interest rates offered. There's no point in accepting a minuscule increase in interest rate if the risk of loss of principal becomes unacceptably high.


  [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotating_savings_and_credit_association
  [2]: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/rotating-credit-and-savings-association.asp