Online lottery is a way to play the lottery from home using a PC or mobile device. It offers players the chance to win millions of dollars for a relatively small amount of money. It is a great alternative to traditional gambling.

Lottery games are available in 45 US states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Popular lotteries include Powerball and Mega Millions. Most state lotteries offer scratch cards and keno, too. All of these games are available online. A portion of the proceeds goes to support state programs and charities.

Before playing any lottery game, you should read the rules carefully. Ensure that the site you are playing on is licensed and secure by looking for a valid license, security logos, and SSL encryption software. Licensed sites are regulated and offer secure payment methods. They also offer a user-friendly interface. Licensed sites will also have FAQs and quick how-tos to help you get started.

In order to purchase tickets online, you must be located in a state that allows lottery sales. Some states also require players to be a registered player in order to claim prizes. A registration process involves proving your identity and providing a record of any winnings. Some lottery websites use geolocation technology to verify that players are within state lines when purchasing tickets. Other sites work with lottery agents to make sure that all purchases are legitimate.