Online lottery is a convenient way for players to participate in state-based lotteries from the comfort of their own home. These websites offer a wide range of lottery games including instant win scratch tickets, drawing-style games, and large jackpots with millions of dollars up for grabs. Online lottery sites use secure technologies and are regulated by outside independent agencies like eCogra to uphold the legitimacy of results. They also make it possible for US residents to purchase tickets to online lotteries in foreign countries.
The first online lottery to go live was Illinois’s online lottery, which launched in 2012. Since then, a number of other states have moved in the same direction by offering online lottery games and subscriptions. These include Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. In addition, a handful of third party lottery courier services offer a hybrid form of online lottery by taking orders online and then sending agents to buy real tickets from authorized retailers on behalf of players.
Most of these sites feature user-friendly interfaces that are optimized for mobile devices, allowing players to play from their smartphones or tablets. Players can choose their numbers, pay for their entries, and manage their subscriptions all from a single website. Online lotteries require a computer or mobile device with an internet connection and a compatible web browser to access the site. The majority of online lotteries allow users to sign up for free, although some may require players to deposit a small amount to start playing.