Online lottery refers to games that are played over the Internet and allow players to bet on a series of numbers or symbols to win prizes. This type of lottery is gaining popularity in the United States, as more state governments legalize it and make it available to their residents. Some online lottery sites also offer a mobile version of their website that allows players to play on the go.

In order to participate in an online lottery, a person must register with the state where he or she lives. Then, he or she must choose the numbers to bet on. Most states have multiple lotteries, and the rules of each can vary. Some have a daily or weekly limit on how much a person can spend, while others have no limits at all. This is why it is important to know your limits before starting to play the lottery.

Many states have their own websites that offer lottery tickets, but there are also several third-party apps and services like Jackpocket and Jackpot that enable users to buy state lotto tickets online. Some of these services are free, while others charge a small fee for each ticket purchased. If you use a third-party service, be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully to make sure that you are not violating any gambling laws in your state.

There are two main types of online lottery games: instant and draw. Instant games are similar to scratch-offs in that they feature a certain theme and resemble slot games. These are great for beginners and can be found at most US-based lottery sites. In addition, some of these games can even offer a multiplier if you are lucky enough to match all the numbers.

Draw games are more traditional in nature and require players to select one or more numbers for each line. There are a variety of options, including Powerball and Mega Millions. Some of these games are nationwide, while others are only available in your state. Many of these games can be accessed through the official lottery website or through lottery courier services like Jackpot, Jackpocket, and theLotter.

Some people prefer to purchase a lottery ticket at an in-person location, but this is not always possible. Some states, like Pennsylvania, use geolocation technology to track where people are playing online, and they only accept players who are native residents of that state. However, other states like Michigan and Texas have expanded their lottery offerings to include online keno and a variety of instant-win games.

Some people argue that the introduction of online lottery games will hurt retail sales of traditional state games, but this seems to be untrue. In fact, since Pennsylvania iLottery launched in 2018, retail lottery sales have continued to grow. While there are valid concerns about problem gambling and the need for state legislatures to find new sources of revenue, cannibalization does not seem to be among them.