The official lottery is just one example of how gambling has become a part of our culture. Across the country, people spend upwards of $100 billion on state-sanctioned lotteries each year. There are a few reasons why, including the inextricable human impulse to gamble and the erroneous belief that winning the lottery will lead to instant riches. But there’s also the fact that many of us simply enjoy imagining how our lives would be different if we were to win the lottery.

Despite these issues, lotteries continue to be a popular form of entertainment for millions of people. And while it’s not uncommon to see lottery advertisements on TV and billboards, there are a few things you should know before you play the official lottery.

There are a few ways to play the official lottery, but most state-run lotteries sell tickets through authorized retailers. These retailers are typically grocery stores (especially large chains), convenience stores, and gas stations. If you want to find a retailer, check out the lottery’s website, which will usually have a retailer locator tool.

Once you have a ticket, the rest of the process is simple. Each lottery drawing involves a random selection of winning numbers and prizes. You can see if you’ve won by scanning your ticket with the app’s barcode or by visiting a participating retailer. If you’re not a winner, you can use your ticket to enter second-chance drawings. The only downside is that your ticket expires after one drawing.