What is Online Lottery?

Online lottery is a type of gambling that uses software and hardware to accept, record, and transmit bets and prize draw results. It is a form of electronic lotto, and it can be found in countries around the world. It is growing in popularity, and there are a number of US sites that offer it. The legal landscape for online lottery can be complicated, and it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments.

Currently, seven US states offer online lottery. Illinois launched the first US online lottery in March 2012, followed by Georgia and Michigan in November 2012. In addition to their state-specific games, most online lottery services allow players to purchase tickets for Powerball and Mega Millions, the two biggest multi-state lotteries with grand prizes that can go above $1 billion.

These websites act as middlemen between players and official government-run lotteries. They charge a fee for their services, which is typically much lower than the cost of purchasing a ticket in person. In addition, they often provide bonuses and other perks for customers. These incentives are a big part of the reason why so many people choose to play online lottery.

Most online lottery websites and apps use a combination of geolocation technology and other data to verify the location and age of their users. This way, they can prevent underage gambling and ensure that only genuine players are using their services. In addition, they may also use a variety of payment methods, including ACH/eCheck, PayPal, and credit cards.