Online lottery is the game in which players can buy entries to official state-run lotteries through websites. Often these sites are run by private companies and act as middlemen, but they offer the same odds and prizes as state-run lotteries. The biggest advantage is that winnings are usually paid from insurance policies rather than directly from the site itself.

Most lottery games are based on picking numbers to win a prize. Some have a fixed jackpot, while others are progressive and pay out in a set number of weeks. The most popular lotteries in the US are Powerball and Mega Millions. These draw every Tuesday and Friday respectively, with jackpots that can go well over a billion dollars.

While the online lottery is a relatively young phenomenon, it’s growing rapidly as more states move toward legalization. Illinois became the first US state to introduce a regulated online lottery in 2012, followed by Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, and New Jersey.

When choosing an online lottery site, it’s important to look for a variety of payment options. You want a website that supports multiple types of credit and debit cards as well as eWallets like Skrill and Neteller. Some also offer bank wire transfers for added convenience.

Most online lottery sites will use geolocation to check the player’s location and prevent them from playing in countries where it is illegal to do so. Additionally, they should provide a secure connection to protect the privacy of their players’ information.