The US lottery has been around for over a century. Some states operate state-wide lotteries, while others have their own versions. You can play the lottery in 44 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Washington D.C.

A few states have legalized online lottery sales. These are usually state-sponsored websites that offer the same tickets as you would purchase in person. They can range in price from a few dollars to $20.

Some state lotteries also offer instant win games. These are similar to scratch-off tickets sold at gas stations. Playing these games online can offer payouts as high as $500,000.

One of the oldest forms of legal gambling in the US is the lottery. It dates back to the early 1700s, when newspaper ads indicated the existence of hundreds of lotteries in the colonial era.

Most state lotteries operate on a state-by-state basis. However, a few states have expanded their reach by offering lottery tickets online.

The best online lottery sites allow players to buy tickets for major drawings, compare jackpots, and secure selection of numbers. Many of these sites offer mobile versions, so that you can select your numbers and play on the go.

Although there are only six states that have legalized online lottery ticket sales, many more are planning to do so in the future. Massachusetts and New Jersey are currently in the process of allowing online gaming. In addition, Rhode Island and several Northeastern states are seeking to legalize online lotteries.