Online lottery is a type of gambling that allows players to bet on the results of national and international lotteries. It’s similar to sports betting, but instead of betting on whether a team will win or lose, you place bets on the numbers that will come up in the lottery. In the US, there are many state-run lotteries that offer online lottery games, and some also sell tickets through third-party websites and apps.

Currently, only seven states offer online lottery games in the United States. This is likely to change as legislation changes and more states take advantage of the opportunity. Regardless, it’s important to pick the right lottery site for your budget and play style. If you’re on the go, you should look for a site that offers mobile apps or websites designed specifically for mobile devices.

The online lottery market is highly competitive and fragmented, with a large number of local and international players. Key players are focusing on optimizing their gaming portfolios and geographic presence, while strengthening their presence through mergers and acquisitions.

Online lottery sites provide a variety of payment methods, including ACH/eCheck, PayPal, credit cards, debit cards, and PayNearMe. Some also offer loyalty programs and bonus programs for existing customers. In addition, many lottery websites feature a help desk that can answer questions and provide assistance to players. This service is usually available via live chat, email, and telephone. Some sites even have a dedicated phone line for urgent issues.