When you play lottery online, you’re playing the game the way it should be played: from the comfort of your own home. You can buy tickets for all the major lotteries and even access state-specific games with prizes that can go up to $100,000. These sites are a convenient alternative to visiting a brick-and-mortar location, but they also come with a host of tools and tips that can improve your odds of winning.

The best lottery online sites are regulated by gambling commissions to ensure your privacy and safety. They use reputable payment methods and SSL encryption to protect your personal information. You should look for these details on the website before you make a deposit. Legitimate lottery websites also care about their users and will take the time to invest in a smooth user experience.

Some states have their own lottery websites, while others partner with third-party providers to create an online gaming environment. These partnerships allow players from all over the country to participate in their local or national lottery games without worrying about whether the site is secure. Moreover, third-party websites are more likely to accept multiple payment methods. For instance, my top pick, theLotter, offers 30 different ways to purchase tickets and more than 40 games to choose from.

In addition to offering a variety of online lottery games, the best US lotteries will give you a detailed breakdown of past results and how much money was won in each draw. They’ll also offer information about upcoming lotteries and let you know how to claim your prize in case you’re the lucky winner.