The first recorded lotteries, which offered money prizes, were held in the Low Countries. These public lottery games were popular among wealthy people and served to fund various projects and services in the town. As a means of taxation, the lottery was widely regarded as a method of raising money that was both easy to administer and beneficial to the community. The oldest lottery in the world dates back to 1445, when the Dutch noun “lot” means “fate” was used to describe the game.
Many lottery websites and apps let you play the game on your phone or tablet. These apps offer access to many of the major lotteries, including those that are broadcast on television and at local land-based establishments. Not all of the major lotteries offer lottery apps, however. If you want to play the lottery on your desktop computer, make sure to visit a website that provides a mobile version. That way, you can easily switch back and forth between different websites.
Almost all states do not impose personal income tax on winnings. In some countries, such as France, Australia, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, and Finland, lottery winnings are tax-free. In the United Kingdom, the lottery pays out prizes in a lump sum tax-free annuity. In the United States, federal courts have ruled that lottery annuities are tax-free lump sums. Whether you opt for lottery annuities or lump sum payments depends on your state’s laws.