Lottery games are games of chance that allow players to win money. They are a popular activity among many people in America and are often used to fund public works projects, education and environmental programs.

Online lottery sites offer players secure access to a wide variety of lotteries without having to leave their home. They also provide a great way to compare jackpots and odds.

There are two main types of lottery games: draw and instant. Both involve a drawing to determine the winning ticket numbers, but draw games are more common.

Some of the most popular draw games are Mega Millions and Powerball. These games are played across several states and have large jackpots, and they are also a favorite of many people because they are fun to play.

In addition to drawing games, there are also scratch-off games. These are more popular because they do not require you to pick your own numbers or fill out a play slip, and the game is colorful and easy to play.

These games are available in convenience stores, gas stations and online. They usually require you to choose five or six numbers from a pool of numbers from 1 to 70.

If you don’t win the jackpot, the prize is divided among a number of winners. The main jackpot is typically worth hundreds of millions, and there are plenty of smaller prizes to be won as well.

It is important to understand the rules and regulations of a lottery game before you start playing it. You should know whether the prize is an annuity payment, if it will be taxed, and what your rights are when you win.