Online lottery is a great way to play games like Powerball and Mega Millions without having to leave home. It can also be a great way to support charitable causes through a portion of ticket sales that are often donated to state programs and organizations. However, there are some important things to know before you start playing.

Online lotteries are a little different than their brick-and-mortar counterparts, and there are some complexities that can be challenging to navigate. This article is intended to help you understand the basics of online lottery so that you can have a smooth, hassle-free experience.

Purchasing lottery tickets online is usually done through a special website run by the lottery itself. This is typically a secure site that offers multiple payment options, including ACH/eCheck and PayPal. Some of the top lottery sites also offer mobile apps for convenience.

Another option for buying lottery tickets online is to use a courier service. This service will send someone to go to a local store and purchase the tickets for you. They will then scan and send you a copy of the ticket so that you have proof of purchase in case you win.

Many of the best lottery websites allow players to create lottery syndicates, which can increase their chances of winning. These syndicates are groups of people that pool their money and buy tickets together. If one of the members wins, they will split the winnings based on their contribution. Some of the top lottery sites also offer optional betting extras, such as Power Play or Megaplier, which can increase your odds of winning by a significant amount for a small price.