The first lottery games with money prizes were held in the Low Countries around the 15th century. These were public lotteries held to raise money for poor people and for town fortifications. However, some historians argue that there was evidence for earlier lotteries. For example, a record dated 9 May 1445 from the town of L’Ecluse mentions a lottery held in that town to raise money for walls. The prize was 1737 florins (about US$170,000 in 2014).

Nowadays, there are several lottery games available on the internet. In some states, players can purchase lottery tickets online or in a lottery office. Some lottery websites also let players enter drawings for state-level prizes and major multi-state jackpots from the comfort of their homes. Furthermore, players can also purchase instant win scratch cards online.

Some state lotteries are considering expanding their online presence. While only a handful of states have authorized online sales of lottery tickets, more states are likely to follow suit. Many online lottery sites provide the same services as brick-and-mortar retailers. Online lottery sites may even be regulated by some state governments, which is a good sign for consumers.

Online lottery sites allow players to easily compare the odds of winning a lottery and view jackpots. Most online lottery websites provide secure options for selecting and purchasing tickets. Some of these sites also give you the chance to compare jackpots and odds from other lotteries. Even though smaller lotteries have lower odds, the prizes are still significant.