Online lottery is a type of gambling in which players can purchase tickets via an Internet connection. The tickets can be used to enter national or international lottery games, with the possibility of winning a big jackpot. While it is not yet legal in every state, there are several websites that offer online lottery services. These sites are not government-run, but instead serve as middlemen between the player and the actual lotteries. They offer a variety of games, including instant win scratch-offs and traditional drawing-style games with large jackpots.

Compared to traditional lotteries, which require you to visit retail outlets in person to buy your tickets, online lottery games are much more convenient. Purchasing your tickets online allows you to play from the comfort of your own home or office. In addition, many lottery websites also feature a mobile application so you can play on the go.

In the US, there are many different types of lotteries, with some state-specific games and others offering multi-state and global games that can see starting jackpots tally into millions of dollars. The most popular of these are the Mega Millions and Powerball lotteries, which are accessible to players across the country.

Aside from providing the convenience of playing on a computer or smartphone, online lottery games can also be much cheaper than buying a ticket in person. However, some lottery agents will add on extra fees to the price of the ticket, so always check the fine print before you purchase a ticket online.

Another thing to keep in mind when selecting an online lottery site is its security measures. Legitimate lottery sites should use SSL encryption to keep your daily transactions secure from prying eyes. They should also display trust logos on their website to demonstrate that they’re a trusted company.

When it comes to claiming prizes, the better online lottery sites will have a system in place to ensure that winners receive their money quickly. Small prizes tend to get automatically credited to your account, while larger amounts may require proof of identity or a trip to the local lottery office. Some sites will even allow you to send a representative on your behalf if you’re too far away to claim your prize in person.

While most online lottery sites offer standard payment methods like Visa and MasterCard, some will accept other methods like PayPal or Bitcoin. This is a great way to increase accessibility for lottery players from all over the world. We look for this when we evaluate a lottery site, and we also make sure that the site’s payout record is spot-on.

BoxLotto is a barebones online lottery site with a simple game that offers an impressive payout of up to $250,000. Its website may look like it’s stuck in the early 2000’s, but it’s worth a shot if you’re looking for something low-cost and easy to access.