Playing the Lottery Online
The first recorded lotteries date back to Ancient China (between 205 BC and 187 BC). These first games were held to fund major government projects during the Han Dynasty, including the construction of the Great Wall of China. Later, during the Roman Empire, lotteries were held for entertainment during dinner parties. Emperor Augustus, however, introduced the first commercial lottery. Profits from the draw were used to repair the City of Rome. These games became immensely popular, and now have millions of participants worldwide.
While many US states have online lottery websites, the primary utility of these sites is to display the winning numbers. Visitors to these websites also receive contact information and location information. Today, some online lotteries have extended their service offerings by launching Instant Games, which are casino-style games with wagering elements. Such games can be played on the web or via mobile apps. In the future, online lottery websites may even offer mobile apps. Despite the limited scope of these new offerings, online lotteries are still far ahead of the traditional brick-and-mortar lottery companies.
The house edge in most lotteries is nearly 50%. However, some lottery enthusiasts argue that the house edge doesn’t matter. After all, lottery players have the chance to win a life-changing payout. This is a compelling reason to play the lottery. But, it’s important to remember that the largest lottery jackpot doesn’t necessarily mean the best. However, most people would probably prefer to win a jackpot that’s larger than their current monthly income.