If you’ve ever been fortunate enough to win the lottery, you’ve no doubt noticed that you can make some extra money. However, claiming your prize isn’t as easy as it looks. After all, you have to claim it immediately! Otherwise, the money will remain in the lottery office. Here’s how to do it quickly and legally. And, most importantly, remember: don’t try to cheat the system! Here are some of the most common ways to win the lottery.

The United States has a long history of lottery games. There were hundreds of lotteries during the colonial era. In 1934, Puerto Rico legalized its lottery. In 1964, New Hampshire became the first US state to offer a lottery. Today, 45 states and the District of Columbia operate lotteries, with the Virgin Islands looking to start its own lottery by 2021. Most states have some type of lottery game, from instant win games to drawing games.

The state lotteries are considering allowing their ticket sales online. However, only a few have authorized the service. While offshore lottery providers claim to sell tickets online, they’re not regulated in the US. Only the official state lotteries pay lottery winners. The online lottery industry is still in its infancy, so it’s best to stick with a legitimate, state-sponsored lottery website. Otherwise, you’ll risk losing your money.