Online lottery is a type of gambling wherein you bet on the outcome of official lotteries. The sites that offer this service differ from traditional lottery websites in that they don’t actually sell you entry to the games, but instead act as bookmakers who take your bets on upcoming lotteries. Generally, these websites are regulated and feature SSL encryption to protect your banking details. They also feature secure payment options and measures to ensure that you receive your winnings.

The first state to launch a legal online lottery was Illinois in 2012. Since then, additional states have added lotto options and now the vast majority of players can purchase tickets through a state-sanctioned website or app. In most cases, you need to create an account before purchasing tickets, then add funds to your wallet using a Visa or MasterCard credit card. You can then select the game you want to play and follow the on-screen instructions.

The online lotto offers a variety of benefits, including increased reach to more players and the ability to manage player accounts and limit their spending. Despite some valid concerns, like problem gambling, online lotteries are not cannibalizing traditional sales. It is still important to be responsible when playing the lottery and remember that it’s not just about the money, but your health and wellbeing as well. Many online lotteries allow you to set daily, weekly or monthly spending limits, so it’s a good idea to stick to them.