Online lottery is a game of chance in which players win prizes by matching numbers and combinations of symbols. Online lotteries offer a variety of games, from classic lottery tickets to instant-win games and keno. They are popular among players because of their ease of use and fast payouts. Online lotteries also provide access to major jackpots worldwide and can be played from any computer with an Internet connection.
The US has a relatively short history with online lottery, but more states are joining the movement each year. Illinois began offering online lottery games in 2012, and since then six additional states have passed laws legalizing these games. These include Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. Many other states have approved third-party courier services that offer online lottery games.
A good online lottery site will have a wide range of payment methods. These may include cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, but should also feature standard options such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and Skrill. In addition, a good lottery website should be easy to navigate and have non-stop support.
Some online lottery sites specialize in a particular type of game. For example, a site may focus on scratch-off games, which have a small prize but a high win rate. Others focus on a particular type of lottery, such as Powerball or Mega Millions. Still others offer a full suite of lottery games, including the classic ticket-based games of Pick 3 and Pick 4.
The most common online lottery game is a classic ticket-based lottery, where players select several numbers and see if they won after a drawing. These are available on most online lottery sites, but some offer a more comprehensive selection of lottery games, such as keno or state-specific draw games. These sites typically have their own drawing schedules, but can also offer multi-state lotteries like Powerball and Mega Millions.
Some online lottery sites offer a specialized service for claiming prizes. This is usually done through a system in which winnings are automatically credited to the player’s account. In some cases, however, the player may need to submit documentation in person to claim larger prizes. In general, the more convenient a prize-claiming system is, the higher a lottery site’s rating.