Lotteries are fun and a good way to win some extra cash. In the United States, lotteries have been around for centuries. A number togel hongkong of state legislatures have used them as an important source of revenue.

The history of lotteries in the United States can be traced back to the days of the colonies. Alexander Hamilton, who was a member of the Continental Congress, wrote that the “drawing of lots” was a nifty trick to help raise funds for public projects.

The first known European lottery dates back to the Roman Empire. Wealthy noblemen would distribute money prizes during Saturnalian revels.

The Roman Empire’s lotteries were mostly amusement at dinner parties. They raised funds for town fortifications, libraries, roads, canals, and bridges.

The first American lottery was organized by Benjamin Franklin to raise funds for the war effort. It was also used to help finance the University of Pennsylvania and Princeton and Columbia Universities.

An interesting pattern can be seen in the statistics of past draws. Some jackpots are won with multiple winners.

There are many varieties of lotteries. Many are available online. Others are found at local retailers.

Several states are considering legalizing online lottery games. However, the US government has yet to legalize online gaming. This hasn’t stopped some lottery companies from expanding their service offerings.

A number of online lottery sites are now offering Instant Games. These are casino-like games. Using your smartphone, you can play these games online.