Playing the Lottery Online
The first known lotteries were held in the Low Countries, mainly in order to raise funds for poor people and for various public purposes. These lotteries were a popular source of tax revenue and were hailed as a painless method of taxation. The oldest continuously operating lottery, known as the Staatsloterij, dates back to 1726 and is still active today. The word lottery was derived from the Dutch noun ‘lotterij’, which means ‘fate.’
Today, most states have a website where players can view winning numbers, find out where to purchase tickets, and obtain contact information. However, a small handful of states have begun expanding their service offerings to include Instant Games, which are casino-style games that allow players to wager money on the outcomes of the draw. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar casinos, these sites can be played on mobile devices as well as the web. In addition, some online lotteries are launching mobile apps to increase the convenience of lottery play for those who don’t want to go to a physical lottery store.
Some lottery games require players to choose five numbers. Five-digit games, also known as Pick 5, require players to choose five numbers from one to nine, and are often played with currency or other forms of payment. Daily numbers games are also popular, with fixed payouts. These games also have a force-majority clause, which protects players against non-performance in the event of any unforeseen circumstances. Unlike traditional lotteries, these games are not sold to individuals, so players can pass on their prize claims to another person if they wish.