Online lottery is a way to play the lottery without buying physical tickets. These sites usually charge a fee to process the ticket purchase and then send you a scan of the ticket. The price of online lottery games can vary widely and it is important to read the fine print. It is also essential to check whether the site you are playing on has SSL encryption.
While online lottery is still relatively new, it has become a popular option for people who want to try their luck. There are many different options for players, from scratch-off games to the major draws. Online lotteries can be played from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection. Some of these websites have their own software, while others act as middlemen for official government-run lotteries.
Many online lottery websites offer various bonuses, promotions and discounts to attract new customers. These can be in the form of free lottery tickets or discounted multi-draw subscriptions. These are designed to keep players engaged and increase their chances of winning.
In the United States, the first state to offer online lottery was Illinois in 2012. Since then, seven states have legalized the practice. These include Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. However, the number of states that offer online lottery is expected to grow as federal laws are clarified and state-specific systems are built.