Lottery online is a legal form of gambling that enables players to purchase lottery tickets or subscriptions from the comfort of their own homes. It is not as widespread as brick-and-mortar casinos, but it has a significant following in the US.

Online lottery games are available in more than 45 states and the District of Columbia, with more to come in the near future. These include traditional drawing-style lotteries with large jackpots and instant win scratch cards.

Playing the lottery online can be a lot of fun, but it also has its risks. For one, it can be difficult to verify your age and location.

In addition, it is important to understand the difference between official state lottery games and those offered by lottery betting sites. This will help you decide which online lottery website is right for you.

The two types of websites are not the same and each has its own set of rules. The former offers a variety of games and lets you win real money, while the latter allows you to place bets on specific outcomes of lottery draws.

If you’re looking for the best online lottery games, look for a site that is regulated by a gaming commission and has a good track record for paying out prizes. In addition, make sure the site has security logos and SSL encryption.

You’ll find a number of mobile-optimized lottery games, which are perfect for when you’re on the go and don’t have access to a computer. You can buy tickets on any device that supports iOS or Android.