The US is home to a number of lotteries. These organizations generate billions of dollars in revenue annually. In fact, most of the profits go toward public schools, colleges, and other programs. Each state has its own lottery system. However, some states also allow their residents to purchase tickets for their favorite lotteries across state lines.
The only state without a legal lottery is Alaska. Hawaii and Mississippi also do not have legal lotteries. Fortunately, a number of US states offer lottery games online. This can make it easier to play the lottery from anywhere in the country. Some of these states also allow players to purchase tickets through third-party lottery apps.
Oregon has been offering a lottery since 1984. It is aimed at returning the most money possible to its residents. The lottery also provides resources for problem gamblers. There is a helpline on the lottery’s website, and the agency provides free help for individuals with gambling addictions.
Oregon has had tremendous success with its lottery program. A resident of the state recently won the Powerball jackpot, shattering the previous record. Another winner received a $636 million prize. The jackpot continues to climb, and new jackpots are added regularly.
The state of California is home to a variety of lottery games. They include Mega Millions, which offers a jackpot of up to $1.3 billion. Other games available in the state include scratchers, keno, and bingo. Currently, the state’s lottery generates about $1 billion in revenue each year.
New Jersey is another state with a large lottery. This lottery offers several draw games and has a number of games in the Mega Millions family. In addition to the state-based games, the New Jersey Lottery features the popular lottery game Powerball.
Pennsylvania is another state with a state-wide lottery. The lottery offers Keno, a state-based game, as well as eight other draw games. Additionally, the Pennsylvania lottery features virtual sports, including virtual poker. Although the state does not offer the MegaMillions online, players can participate in the other major multi-state draws.
Rhode Island launched its lottery in 1974. Among the many draw games offered, the RI lottery features a variety of instant win games. The RI Lottery also benefits law enforcement and public safety.
Massachusetts also has a state-wide lottery. This lottery features eight draw games and has several in-house games. Moreover, players can also participate in the Multi-State Lottery Association, a group of lottery organizations that promotes games that span several states.
Besides the state-wide lotteries, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico run their own lottery games. Players can purchase tickets through these lottery agencies and enter their state-level drawings from home.
Wyoming has introduced a lottery called WyoLotto. Several other states, like Nebraska and Iowa, offer multi-state lotteries. With the growing popularity of these games, more states may soon allow their residents to buy tickets online.
The Connecticut Lottery has been in operation for more than 50 years. Known as one of the oldest lottery organizations in the country, this lottery is dedicated to the benefit of the state’s residents. Their profits are used for public school, transportation, health, and low-cost prescription programs. Similarly, the Michigan lottery directs around $1 billion in proceeds to its school aid fund.