Official lottery is the procedure for distributing something (usually money or prizes) among a group of people by chance, often through an impartial drawing. Lotteries are popular in many countries, and a growing number of states have legalized them, despite the Puritans’ views of gambling as a sin. The lottery is also a popular source of state revenue, which is often used to pay for public services such as education and health care.

A lottery is usually run by a government or a private company that sells tickets and conducts drawings for prizes. Some of the most popular state lotteries are Powerball, Mega Millions and Take 5. The profits from these games are used for public services and education in the state where they are conducted.

The New York state lottery has several different ways to play, including online and mobile apps. The app lets players check results, purchase tickets and see the latest jackpots. The app also provides information on how to play, as well as tips on protecting your personal information.

It’s possible to win a big jackpot with the New York state lottery, but it can also be dangerous. When the winner is known, they can become targets for burglary, kidnapping and other crimes. This is why some winners choose to remain anonymous, although New York law requires them to publicly announce their winnings.

In order to be paid, a prize must be claimed by the person(s) whose name(s) appear on the rear portion of the ticket in the designated space. The person(s) appearing for payment must also sign the claim form and provide a copy of their state or federal identification card.