Whether you are playing online or offline, lottery games offer players a fun, easy way to win money. In addition to offering a variety of jackpots, many online lotteries also offer instant win games. These are similar to real scratch-off games, but you can wager on them with a computer or mobile device. The best lottery sites also offer promotions and safe, secure payment methods.

Most US lottery games are run by individual states. Some, like Powerball, are multi-state lotteries, meaning that participants can buy tickets for multiple games from one retailer. Other lotteries, like the Virgin Islands, operate individual lotteries, meaning that players buy tickets for a single draw game.

A handful of US states have launched online lottery games. These include Illinois, California, and New Hampshire. These lotteries are operated by the state governments, which means that profits go to state programs. Online lotteries are not as popular as sports betting or online casinos, but they are growing. Several more states are planning to legalize online lotteries in the near future.

The first US state to offer a lottery was New Hampshire, which began selling tickets in 1964. Today, the state lottery features several draw games, including Mega Millions, which offers odds of winning one million dollars. Players can also participate in the Powerball and Lucky for Life games. A single version of Keno has a top prize of $100,000.

Other lottery games include those run by the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Players can buy tickets for the games through a legal lottery courier service called Jackpocket. Jackpocket provides online lottery purchases in Arkansas, New Jersey, and Washington D.C. In addition to offering legal lottery courier services, it also provides online lottery purchases for the New Hampshire lottery.

The Connecticut Lottery is one of the oldest lotteries in the US. In fiscal year 2021, it paid out $925 million in prize money. The corporation generates revenue in support of the state’s general fund, education, debt services, and retired employee benefits. The corporation also pays commissions to retailers. In addition to the state-operated games, Connecticut lottery players also have access to a number of local games.

The Iowa Lottery is operated by the Iowa Lottery Association, which also operates the Michigan Lottery. In addition to a variety of local games, Iowa lottery players can also participate in Mega Millions, Powerball, and Lotto America. The lottery’s profits go to state programs, including schools, natural resources, and open space conservation. Its profits also go to public employee pension systems.

North Carolina started its lottery system in 2005. Originally known as the North Carolina Education Lottery, the lottery now operates as an official state agency. The lottery’s proceeds go to education and school aid, as well as gambling treatment and prevention programs. The lottery also provides access to the draws via six television stations. In addition to the lottery, the state also offers virtual sports.

New Mexico is a state lottery that features a variety of games. The lottery features several draw games, scratchers, and instant win games. Players can also purchase tickets online for the Mega Millions and Powerball games. There are also several in-house games available for players to choose from.