Aside from picking your favorite lucky numbers, the most important part of playing the lottery is watching for your winning lottery numbers. All of the excitement of the lottery games becomes heightened on the day of the drawing.

Whether you play Mega Millions, Powerball, Super Lotto, or any of the other great games that the lottery has to offer, the game isn't over until you find out if you are the big winner. But if this is the first time that you have played your state lottery, you may not be familiar with all the convenient ways that you can check your winning lottery numbers. Even if you are not at home when the drawing takes place, you will not miss out on the results of your game play.

If you find yourself 'on the road' the day of, or after, the lottery drawing, you are just a phone call away from the results of the official lottery drawing. For example, if you live in California, but find yourself on a business trip in Nevada, simply pick up a phone and dial 1-800-LOTTERY to hear the winning lottery numbers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And it works from a pay phone just as well as your cell phone or any land line, such as your hotel suite or office phone system.

Checking your numbers is now even easier than playing the most exciting game on earth! And there are more great ways to stay in touch with the lottery games of your choice.

Most states also offer a free sign up which will enable you to check the winning numbers while you peruse your email inbox. That's right, the state lottery will send you the results of the weekly drawings automatically by simply filling out a brief information form online.

And while you are waiting for the big day of the drawing, you will also receive special offers designed exclusively for lottery members. The California State Lottery allows you to create an account where you can manage your entries, learn about new games, and truly interact with the lottery experience.

But if it's just a quick check you want, each state lottery website features a quick link or side bar where the winning numbers are posted immediately following the weekly drawings. Just look for the 'winning numbers' tab to quickly check if you have the matching winning numbers this week. It couldn't be easier!

If it's fun, excitement, and entertainment you want, the lottery has as much as you need. From the moment you pick your lottery numbers, to the day of the drawing, you will be on the edge of your seat for the best that life has to offer. You will see your dreams unfolding before your very eyes with the never ending challenge of the state lottery games.

And you can play the same game over and over again; working with lady luck to hit the biggest payday you have ever imagined. Or if it is variety you crave, the lottery has plenty of that to satisfy your taste. And the state lottery is developing new and exciting games every day, giving you even more to look forward to playing.

Just think of the fun you can share with family and friends as you compete with each other, as well as thousands of others just like you for the best prizes on earth.

Walk, run, or drive to your nearest local lottery retailer and get in on the thrill of the greatest games around town. You won't be sorry you played. And you will give yourself the chance of a lifetime!