Online lottery is becoming more popular in the United States. A few states already offer games, while others are working to bring them to their residents. But it’s still a relatively new thing, so if you want to get into it you need to know what to look for.

Most online lottery websites aren’t government-run, like traditional lotteries. Instead, they act as middlemen for different lotteries, including Powerball and other multi-state lotteries, as well as worldwide lotteries. They’re not as reliable as official state lotteries, but they’re often the best option if you’re looking for a more convenient way to play the lottery.

When choosing an online lottery website, make sure it offers a mobile version of its site. It’s also important to check that the website is secure and that it accepts your preferred payment method, such as credit cards or e-wallets like PayPal. Some sites may even accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

Getting into the habit of buying tickets regularly can help you improve your odds of winning. You can also join a lottery pool to share costs and increase your chances of winning. Just remember that if you win a prize, be sure to claim it as soon as possible. Unclaimed prizes are notorious for going unclaimed, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

When playing lottery online, always pay attention to jackpot amounts and how quickly they grow. Large jackpots draw a lot of attention and can drive sales, but they’re often less profitable for the game than smaller ones.