Online lottery is a type of gambling where you can win real money by playing games of chance. The majority of these games are state or national lottery-run, and they follow strict rules and are highly transparent in how they operate. They would lose their licenses and reputation immediately if they were ever found to be rigged.

In the US, lotteries are operated by states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Most states offer a mix of instant-win scratch-off tickets and traditional drawing-style games with large jackpots. While most of the games are available at retail locations, there are now many options for players to play lotto online.

To play online, you will need a computer or mobile device with an Internet connection. Once you have a username and password, you can access your account on the official website of the state you live in. Most sites offer the same basic options – you can buy tickets, check your results, and view historical drawings. Some also offer a dedicated mobile app, which is perfect for people on the go.

Another perk of online lottery is that many sites offer a subscription option, which lets you pay in advance and be automatically entered into every draw until your subscription expires. It’s a great way to save time and avoid forgetting to buy tickets before the next draw. A good number of online lottery websites will also accept a wide range of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, Skrill, and PayPal. However, you should also look for a lottery site with a secure SSL encryption, as this will ensure your daily transactions are safe from prying eyes.