Online lottery is a form of gambling that allows people to place bets on the results of popular lotteries. The winning numbers or symbols are drawn using a random number generator and the winner is awarded a prize based on their bet. Depending on the state, online lottery games can be purchased from state-run websites or third-party services. Some states even offer a mobile app that can be used to purchase tickets.

Some online lottery sites are reputable and regulated while others may not be. Legitimate sites will have security measures in place, such as SSL encryption software, to keep your information safe. They will also have a secure payment system that works with all major credit cards. They will also provide a FAQ section that answers frequently asked questions.

The first US state to offer online lottery games was Illinois, which launched its service in March of 2012. Since then, several other states have followed suit, including Virginia, Michigan, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. In addition to state-run games, online lotteries also allow players to play in the Mega Millions and Powerball, national multi-state draws with prizes that can reach over $1 billion.

Online lottery games are easy to use and convenient for many users. They can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection and a web browser. These sites can be a great way to increase your chances of winning by playing multiple lines at once or buying syndicate bundles.