Online lottery is a convenient way for people to play the lotto without having to leave their homes. Players can easily select numbers and purchase tickets from a variety of sites and even compare jackpots and odds. There are also plenty of smaller games to choose from that feature lower prize amounts but still offer decent odds of winning.

While most online lottery platforms are legitimate, it’s important to do your homework before signing up. Look for testimonials, reviews, and news stories to make sure you’re playing on a safe and trustworthy site. Educating yourself about how different types of lottery websites work, what payment options are allowed, and how to collect your winnings can help you avoid scams and headaches in the future.

Lottery betting sites are similar to sportsbooks but instead of placing bets on a team to win a game, you place bets on the winning numbers of a lottery draw. These sites are usually regulated by gambling commissions and operate under strict rules to ensure that their games are fair. If they were found to be rigged, they would lose their licenses and reputation immediately.

In order to play the lottery online, you must be a legal resident of the state in which you live. Many lottery sites use geolocation technology to verify that each person attempting to buy a ticket is within state lines. This helps prevent lottery sales across state lines, which is illegal under federal law.