Online lottery is a form of gambling where players use a computer to choose numbers or symbols. This information is then linked to a central computer that draws winning numbers at random. Various types of online lotteries are available, including quiz-type games, numbers games, scratch-off instant games, and more. Online lottery operators must be licensed and regulated by the state in which they operate. Players should always read the Terms of Use to ensure that a website is transparent and reputable.

Purchasing a lottery ticket online has a number of benefits. In addition to convenience, players can enjoy a wide variety of lottery games from their home. They can also participate in many international lotteries and receive instant email & SMS winning notifications. In addition, online lotteries allow for more tickets to be purchased than traditional lotteries, which are limited by state law.

The United States’ history with online lotteries is relatively new. Illinois was the first US state to legalize these games in 2012. Other states, such as Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, and New Hampshire, followed suit soon after. Pennsylvania launched its iLottery in 2018, and sales of traditional lottery games have been growing ever since.

The most popular online lottery games include lotto, Pick-3 and Pick-4, and Instant Games. Many lottery sites also offer additional betting extras such as Power Play or Megaplier for a small cost. Some of these options can significantly increase your chances of winning a jackpot!