Online lottery is a growing trend that allows players to participate in lotteries on a wide range of devices. This includes desktop computers, smartphones and tablets. Several online lottery sites offer free tickets, multi-draw discounts and other promotions. These features can attract new players and encourage existing ones to play more often. This growth is supported by favorable regulatory changes and increasing recognition of the potential economic benefits of online lottery.

The first lotteries are believed to have made their debut in 205 BC in China, where they were used as a way to raise money for big governmental projects. They were very similar to modern-day Keno games, and the prizes ranged from cash to valuable goods. Nowadays, they’re a popular form of gambling and can be found in many different places around the world.

While some states require you to buy your tickets in-person, others allow you to purchase them online. These websites use geolocation software to verify that you’re within state lines when purchasing a ticket, and they also have secure encryption protocols to protect your financial information.

Some states have their own websites where you can purchase official lottery tickets and play games, while others work with third-party courier services that can order tickets on your behalf. To find out whether your state offers these options, see our interactive map. The legal landscape for online lottery can change quickly, so it’s a good idea to check back frequently for updates.

Buying tickets online is easy and convenient, and there are many advantages to doing so. You can access your account from any device, and you can use multiple payment methods to purchase tickets. You can also get a better sense of the overall odds of winning by looking at the average payouts for each game. You can even purchase tickets from your phone if you have a data connection, which saves you time and effort.

In most cases, you’ll need to have a valid driver’s license or state-issued ID to play online. This ensures that you’re over the age of 18, which is the minimum age for most online casino and lottery games. You should also keep in mind that there are strict laws against underage gambling, and many online lotteries have age restrictions to prevent underage play.

Legal online lottery sales got off to a slow start, but the turning point came in 2011 when New York and Illinois challenged the Department of Justice’s stance on the Wire Act. The ruling that the law only applies to sports betting cleared the way for other states to sell lottery tickets online. Today, seven US jurisdictions offer online lotteries: Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. They offer a variety of games, including the major jackpots, Mega Millions and Powerball. In addition, they offer a variety of subscription options, so you can purchase tickets on a recurring basis.