If you want to play an official lottery, the first thing to keep in mind is that it is legal and secure. You won’t be exposed to illegal activities since the official lottery sites are run by huge, well-established companies that have been in the business for years. They also guarantee payment for winnings and have dedicated winners’ support teams.
To play the official lottery, you’ll need to buy a ticket. You can buy them at retail locations or online. Some states allow players to buy tickets online without leaving home. In addition, many lottery sites offer state-level drawings and multi-state drawings. Some also offer instant win scratch cards that can be played online.
The official lottery in North Carolina was introduced in 2005. It is called the North Carolina Education Lottery, and proceeds go directly to the state’s educational programs. So far, the lottery has contributed $5.5 billion to these programs. The North Carolina Lottery offers three multi-state games and three in-house draws. It is broadcast on six television stations.
The first official lottery with money prizes was held in the Low Countries during the 15th century. Different towns held public lotteries to raise money for the poor and for town fortifications. These lotteries were very expensive, and the public was divided into classes. Eventually, these lotteries were banned in France for two centuries. However, some states tolerated them.