When it comes to buying lottery tickets, nothing beats the convenience of playing online. Unlike traditional lotteries, you can purchase tickets instantly, even while on the go. Many top lottery websites work on your smartphone or tablet, making the process even more convenient. But be aware that while the best lottery websites offer the biggest, most popular lotteries, you may not be able to find the smaller games from your state. Here are some tips to help you decide which lottery website is right for you.

When playing the lottery online, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules of the game. The rules for each game vary slightly, but you will typically find a similar structure in most cases. For instance, one lottery may require you to select 5 numbers from 1-50 and 2 numbers from 1-10, while another requires you to pick five numbers from 1-69 with an additional number from one-to-26. The majority of lottery sites offer instructions and tutorials on how to play the games, and you can be confident you’ll be able to find the one that’s right for you.

Before you get started, make sure you know the laws for your state. In the United States, there are currently seven jurisdictions that offer lottery online games. Eight states had online lottery programs until 2015, when Minnesota terminated its program. Since the Department of Justice clarified its position on the Wire Act, many states have begun offering lottery tickets online. Some have websites, while others rely on third-party applications. Among the states that don’t offer lottery games online are New Hampshire, Puerto Rico, and Massachusetts.