Buying lottery tickets online is a popular pastime for many people, but not all sites are legitimate. You should only play with reputable and regulated websites that are fully licensed and backed by state gaming commissions. In addition, you should always read the fine print and check that the site is compliant with your local laws. Also, the website should have a secure connection to prevent hacking. You should also be aware of the minimum age requirements for lottery players.

Some states offer their games on their official websites, allowing you to purchase tickets from your home or mobile device. These websites use geolocation technology to ensure that all purchases are made within state lines. They also use a third-party verification system to ensure that all users are real. The process is similar to purchasing a physical ticket, and you’ll need to provide proof of identity, age, address, and phone number.

There are also lottery betting sites that act as bookmakers, letting you place bets on the results of various lottery draws. These sites are legal in most jurisdictions, and they pay out prize money based on the numbers that are drawn. However, they don’t sell the actual tickets—and they may not even own them.

While some states have strict laws regulating lottery sales, others are more relaxed about it. For example, Illinois has offered its lottery games on its official website since 2012. The website offers a variety of lotto options, from Powerball and Mega Millions to smaller pick-games such as Pick-3 and Pick-4.