Lotteries are the oldest form of legal gambling in the United States. They have been around since the early 1700s. Today, there are 45 states and territories that operate them. These lotteries range from multi-state draw games to instant win games. The table below highlights what each state offers.

In addition to draw games, the Minnesota Lottery also participates in Powerball and Mega Millions. It is part of the Multi-State Lottery Association. This association consists of several other lottery operators in the US. Other members include New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Wisconsin.

Some of the state lotteries offer instant win scratch cards online. However, they are not the most common. Most people who buy lottery tickets still purchase them at a retail location. Others play at a retail location, but buy their tickets online.

Online lotteries are growing in the US, but there are not many available. There are only a few states with legal online lottery ticket sales. Despite this, a number of online lottery websites offer an array of games. Many of them are available for as little as a dollar. A few have even expanded their service offerings to include Instant Games.

One of the most popular multi-state lotteries in the United States is the Powerball. All participating states contribute to the jackpot. As of the date of this writing, the top prize is estimated to reach $1 billion. Ticket prices vary depending on the game and are usually less than $20. To claim a larger prize, players may have to visit a local lottery claim center. Larger winnings may require bringing certified mail or an IRS form.

When considering whether to participate in a lottery, it is important to know that the odds are very small. For example, the odds of winning the jackpot are about one in a million. While it is tempting to try your luck, waiting for the biggest jackpot is usually the most advantageous strategy.

While most lotteries are operated by states, some of them are run by third-party operators. If you are interested in purchasing a lottery ticket online, make sure that you are comfortable with the company you choose. Using a third-party lottery number generator allows you to choose your numbers. You may want to check the website’s terms of service for details.

Although most of the US’s 45 lotteries have websites, some have opted to sell their tickets in person. Several of the states that sell lottery tickets online are considering expanding their online offerings.

Pennsylvania, for example, launched its iLottery in March 2018. The Pennsylvania Lottery reported more than four billion dollars in total game sales within the year of launch. While the majority of the proceeds are used for education and public health programs, the state’s school fund receives 25 cents on every dollar.

California’s State Lottery has been selling lottery tickets since 1984. The California State Lottery is a charter member of the Multi-State Lottery Assocation. Besides draw games, the California lottery offers a comprehensive package of local games.