Online lottery is growing more and more popular, especially in the US. It’s a great option for those who want to play the lottery but can’t get to a physical store. It also offers better promotions and bonuses. It can also be time-saving as it avoids traveling to a retailer and waiting in line. Moreover, you’ll never have to worry about losing or misplacing your ticket as it’s stored digitally in your account.

The first state to launch lottery games online was Illinois in 2012. Since then, several other states have followed suit. These include Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. The District of Columbia has also joined the list, launching its first online lottery games in December 2020.

You can buy tickets for online lotteries directly from the official lottery website. This method is often cheaper than using a lottery agent and feels more secure. However, it’s important to note that the ticket is your property and you must keep it safe. You’ll also have to pay a fee for the service of the lottery site.

Some online lotteries offer optional betting extras that can boost your chances of winning. These can cost $1 or less and make your ticket more valuable. Other factors to consider when buying lottery tickets online include the type of drawing and the prize pool. Some draws have jackpot prizes that can reach millions of dollars while others are smaller. The most popular lottery draws are Powerball and Mega Millions.