Online lottery is a type of gambling that allows players to participate in the drawing of numbers that lead to a prize. While most lottery sites don’t sell official tickets, they offer the same odds and prizes as a traditional state lottery and are licensed and regulated. They also pay out jackpot winnings from insurance policies, making them a safe alternative to purchasing official state lottery tickets. Often, these sites are cheaper than the official lottery agent site and are more convenient to use.

Several US states now offer lottery games online, including keno and a variety of instant-win scratch-off games. The District of Columbia launched its own online lotto in December 2020, while Michigan did so in 2014. Many interactive gambling products also include a specialty games tab that houses these popular lottery-style titles.

In the past, it was illegal to buy online lottery tickets in most US jurisdictions. However, the Department of Justice clarified its stance on the Wire Act in 2011 and opened the door for lottery websites to operate within the country. As a result, more than half of the United States now offers lottery games online.

The best online lottery sites feature a wide selection of national and international lotteries. They also have a secure payment system that uses SSL encryption software to keep your personal details safe. They will also offer a mobile app for easy access on the go.

Another way to increase your chances of winning the lottery is by joining a syndicate. These groups of people pool their money to purchase more tickets, increasing their odds of winning a large sum of money. In addition, they may also be able to get better prizes than they could have won alone.