The official lottery is a form of gambling in which money or goods are distributed among participants by lot or by chance. Typically, a fixed percentage of ticket sales is used as the prize fund, and the odds of winning are low. Lotteries are popular in the United States and throughout the world. Despite the odds of winning, lottery players still spend billions each year.

In the United States, state lotteries bring in more than $91 billion a year, with most of that money going to public safety and local schools. But critics say the lottery system preys on poor people and exacerbates inequities in society by funneling money into wealthier communities far from where the tickets are sold. The Howard Center for Investigative Journalism found that lottery retailers are disproportionately located in lower-income neighborhoods. And, a study by Gregory W. Sullivan of the Pioneer Institute in Massachusetts found that the lottery system disproportionately benefits college students and wealthy school districts.

New Yorkers can play the online NY Lottery and find out results for the Lotto, Mega Millions, Cash4Life, Powerball, and Take5. In addition, NY Lottery offers a variety of other online services including tracking the results of previous draws, finding physical retailers, and accessing eXTRA Chances promotions. The New York Lottery encourages responsible play and recommends that players consult with a gambling counselor or GamblerND in North Dakota. For more information, please visit our Responsible Play page. All NY Lottery prizes are bearer instruments and must be redeemed in the state/jurisdiction of purchase.