Online lottery is an online gambling service that lets players purchase tickets for lotteries worldwide. It is often a more convenient option for those on-the-go because it can be accessed through any internet-enabled device, including mobile phones and desktop computers. Online lottery sites are also able to offer more competitive odds and jackpots.

These websites aren’t government-run, but rather privately owned businesses that act as middlemen for the actual lottery games. They charge a fee for purchasing entries to the lottery, but don’t require you to pay any extra taxes or fees should you win. Some also serve as bookmakers, which allow users to place bets on the results of international and domestic lotteries.

Some state lotteries also offer their services online, though these are less common. When playing lotteries online, you should always check the site’s license and reputation. This way, you can be sure that your money is secure and that you will receive any winnings in a timely fashion. Additionally, you should check whether the site offers multiple deposit and withdrawal methods to make it easier for you to use.

Another thing to note about online lottery is that it can be a bit more complicated than buying a ticket from a brick-and-mortar store. While most of the processes are similar, there are a few differences that can catch people off guard. For example, some sites add extra fees to the ticket prices that they sell, which can sometimes be a bit more than what you’d find at a brick-and-mortar store.