Online lottery is a form of gambling where you can place bets on different lotteries without having to leave the comfort of your own home. These websites have a wide range of games and prizes, and you can choose from state-run lotteries as well as independent providers. Most online lottery sites are legitimate, but you should always do your research before depositing any money. Checking testimonials, reviews and news stories will help you avoid any scams.

Most states now offer an online version of their lottery games, including instant win scratch-off tickets and traditional drawing-style games with large jackpots. Some even allow players to purchase subscriptions to multiple drawings for weeks or months on end. Many of these sites also use geolocation to track where players are playing from, but this isn’t always required.

The best online lottery sites are owned and operated by reputable businesses that care about their reputations, offer watertight terms and conditions and aim to be in business for years into the future. They’ll often be regulated by a gambling commission and provide excellent customer service. They’ll also offer secure transactions, and you should never have to pay any fees or charges to play the lottery. It’s also a good idea to read the “Terms of Use” and privacy policies carefully before you start playing. You should also be aware that not all lotteries are regulated. In fact, some are outright scams and should be avoided at all costs.