Lotteries are government-sponsored games in which people can win prizes based on the numbers drawn. They are a form of gambling, and most countries regulate their operation. The prize money can be used to fund education, public health, and other social programs. Some governments have privatized their lotteries, while others maintain state-owned and operated ones. The latter typically distribute a significant portion of their profits to public organizations and other charitable causes. In the United States, the largest lottery is run by the state of California, and it has the highest jackpots of any lottery game in the world. In addition to the state-run lotteries, many private companies operate online lottery services. These sites charge premiums on base lottery prices, and they can be easily accessed from any computer or mobile device.

In the United Kingdom, lottery games are sold by the state-owned company Camelot Group. Its EuroMillions game is available in the UK, France, and Spain. The national lottery in Canada is operated by the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation, which was formed in 1967 to bring a number of provincial/territorial lottery commissions into one organization. Its four nationwide games are Lotto 6/49, Lotto Max (which replaced the old Lotto Super 7 in September 2009), Daily Grand, and Millionaire Life. Canada also has keno and video lottery terminals, which are similar to slot machines.

In Liechtenstein, the state-controlled International Lottery Foundation (ILLF) oversees Internet lotteries. It launched the first Web-based lottery, PLUS Lotto, in 1995 and processed the first ever online gaming transaction. ILLF also supports charitable projects and organizations domestically and internationally. Unlike most lotteries, winnings in Liechtenstein are not taxed. ILLF operates several websites — referred to as the ILLF brands — and is responsible for lottery software development.