Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Tri-State area

Will you start logging on to buy an Illinois Lottery ticket or keep with tradition and drive to your local convenience store?

As of Sunday, Illinois became the first state to sell lottery tickets online.

Lottery officials say online sales make the games of chance more available and will bring in more money for the state struggling with budget problems. Other states are considering similar programs and will watch whether Illinois succeeds.

Online sales got a federal okay in December when the Justice Department reversed itself on allowing Internet gambling. The agency still restricts wagering on sporting events.

Gambling critics worry that the online lottery will enable underage gambling and fuel addictions. Lottery officials say the system requires ticket-buyers to verify their age and limits the number of tickets each person can buy.

The Associated Press contributed to this report