One of the oldest forms of legal gambling in the US, lotteries are operated by state and local governments in 45 states. They generate billions of dollars in revenue each year. The proceeds are then used for various programs.

There are many different kinds of lottery games to choose from. You can play games in your own state, or cross state lines and purchase tickets from other states.

Each game has its own specific rules. For instance, to win a jackpot prize, you must have at least five winning numbers. If you win, you can claim your prize directly from the betting company.

Some of the most popular national lotteries are Mega Millions and Powerball. These two lotteries are available in more than 45 US states. Players can also check the results of these games on the internet.

Some states that offer online lotteries include Nevada, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Rhode Island, Michigan, Massachusetts, Washington DC, and New Jersey. Although online lotteries are still very small in number, they are growing.

A handful of online lotteries are expanding their service offering to include Instant Games. These are similar to scratch-off tickets, but can be played on the web or mobile devices. Many of these games cost less than $20.

If you are interested in playing an online lottery, you should first make sure it is legal in your state. In addition, you should look for an official website. These websites are safer than third-party betting sites.