A lottery is a game where the players have an opportunity to win a prize. The prize can be cash or goods. Lotteries are typically quasi-government agencies that collect money from the public to finance a wide range of programs and services. Usually, the revenue goes to local programs.

There are several different lotto games, including scratch-off and draw. Some states also offer online versions. These are usually played through the official lottery website. In addition, some state lottery apps have instant games and other features.

Lotteries can be bought in a number of states, including Oregon, California, Illinois, Maryland, Washington, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Texas. They can also be purchased through third-party lottery agents. However, only eight US states currently offer official online lottery play.

Official lottery sites are generally for residents only. Most states have in-house draws and other games.

Many recent lotteries allow purchasers to choose the numbers. For instance, the Five-Digit Game, also known as Pick 5, requires the player to pick five numbers. This is often the easiest way to participate in a lotto-type game.

Iowa, Michigan, and West Virginia have in-house draws, while Illinois has a pilot program for online lottery ticket sales. In December 2012, the Illinois Lottery launched an online Powerball lottery. It later added Daily Lottery Games and Instant Games.

The Idaho Lottery began in 1989. It is a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL). As a result, it offers a number of in-house and multi-state lottery games.