Online lottery is a popular way to play the lotto without having to leave your home. The best online lottery sites offer plenty of games, including state-specific jackpots and national ones. They also offer multiple ways to win, from scratch-offs and instant tickets to video games and keno. Some of them even offer free lottery tickets for new players! But it’s important to know that you can lose money when playing online lottery. To minimize your risk, be sure to set limits for yourself before you start playing.
If you’re interested in playing the lottery online, it’s important to find a site that offers secure transactions and uses reputable payment methods. Legitimate sites will be licensed and regulated by your state gaming authority, and they’ll use SSL encryption software to keep your personal information safe. Some states also require you to verify your age and location before you can play.
The first US lottery game to go online was the Illinois Lottery in 2012. It was followed by Mega Millions and Powerball in 2020, and more than a dozen other states have since launched their own versions of online lottery games. These websites allow users to purchase tickets and manage their subscriptions from anywhere with an internet connection, and most charge the same price as they would in-person.
When choosing an online lottery site, look for one that has a mobile app for your phone or tablet. These are specially designed to make it easy for you to play the lotto on the go. You can also get notifications when there are new results or jackpots. These apps are perfect if you’re a busy person and don’t want to be tied down to your computer all day.
Another thing to consider when shopping for an online lottery site is whether or not it offers optional betting extras. These are additional bets that can be added to your ticket and increase your chances of winning. They usually cost less than the price of a regular ticket and can increase your potential payout by up to seven times.
Many people prefer to play the lotto online because it gives them more control over their finances. This is especially true for those who live in states where lotteries are not allowed to sell their products directly to the public. Online lotteries can also help you avoid the hassle of paying taxes on your prize, and they can even help you find a tax adviser to make the process more convenient. They can also assist with claiming prizes that exceed $600. Just be sure to check the terms and conditions of your state’s lottery before registering for an online account. Msg & data rates may apply.