Online lottery is an internet-based game where participants purchase entries into official state lotteries. These online games typically offer higher jackpots than those offered by traditional lotteries. In addition to the top prizes, most online lotteries also offer a variety of instant-win games. These can include lottery scratch-offs, keno, and fast cash games. Many of these online games are available on desktop computers as well as mobile devices.
The growing popularity of online lottery has fueled a number of technological advances. These changes have made it easier for people to participate in the lottery and have expanded the options available. For example, some states now allow players to play lottery games on their smartphones. Other states use third-party courier services to buy tickets for customers. These companies are not always legal in all states, but they help to increase convenience and accessibility.
Some online lottery sites add extra fees to ticket prices. This is how they make money, but it can be annoying to consumers. To avoid these fees, look for sites that are regulated by gambling commissions and have SSL certificates on their website. You should also read the site’s terms of service and privacy policies.
It’s also important to learn about the different types of online lottery games. For example, a daily lottery has smaller jackpots than Powerball, but it can still award large sums to winners. Additionally, some sites offer optional betting extras that can increase the chances of winning. For instance, Powerball offers a Power Play option for an additional $1.