Lottery games are a popular way to raise money for public services. However, they are also controversial and prone to corruption. Many people question the value of government-run lotteries, but others believe they serve a vital social function. The debate about the value of lottery games continues to this day.

Lotteries are a form of gambling in which numbers are drawn at random to determine the winners. The first recorded lotteries were held in the Low Countries in the 15th century to raise funds for town fortifications and to help the poor. The oldest running lotteries are the Dutch state-owned Staatsloterij (1726). In the US, lottery games include the national Powerball game, Mega Millions and other state-run lotteries. Private lotteries are offered in some states as well.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, many governments banned lotteries or heavily restricted them. During the American Civil War, Union soldiers were forbidden to play lotteries, and many privately run lotteries took advantage of this to increase profits. In the early 20th century, state governments began to introduce legal lotteries, and they grew in popularity.

The official Pennsylvania lottery mobile app lets you check winning numbers and prizes, play your favorite Scratch-Offs and Draw games, and more. You can even save ePlayslips to play multiple drawings! You can also find a participating lottery retailer near you. Download today, and remember to Play Responsibly. Msg & data rates may apply. Only authorized users can download and use this app.