While playing the lottery may be fun, there are a few important legal issues to keep in mind before you buy a ticket. For example, it’s illegal to sell lottery tickets to people who are under 21 years of age. In most states, the minimum age to buy lottery tickets is 18 years old, but there are exceptions. You should always check with your local lottery retailer for their regulations.

A survey from Bankrate found that more than one-third of people buy lottery tickets in an average month. Lottery jackpots tend to attract more players, particularly when they reach astronomical amounts. One recent Powerball jackpot, for example, is more than $600 million. While a large prize is certainly tempting, it is usually better to avoid it altogether.

Public lotteries are less prone to corruption than private ones. Post-USSR Russia was overrun with unregulated mob-run lotteries. Public lotteries also have more aggressive advertising campaigns that protect lottery players from exploitation. But they still don’t have the advantage of being free, which makes them a bad investment.

You can buy lottery tickets at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Not all grocery stores sell lottery tickets, but many do. Check with the clerk at the store or visit the official lottery website for more information on drawing dates.