Online lottery is a type of gambling in which players place bets to win a prize. The prizes are typically cash or goods, and winning the lottery requires luck. Online lottery games are operated by state-licensed companies and can be played on desktop or mobile devices. Players can also purchase tickets using a credit or debit card, and some sites offer multiple payment methods, including Bitcoin. The majority of online lotteries are available in the United States, although some are based in other countries.

Many different companies operate online lottery games, and each one has its own set of rules. Some are regulated by the state in which they operate, while others are not. In general, lottery players must be at least 18 years old and must play within the state borders. Many states also have age restrictions and other requirements for buying tickets online.

While legal online lottery sales are growing, there is still a large gray area between what the federal government allows and what the individual states allow. The District of Columbia was the latest jurisdiction to offer lottery games online, launching its first games in 2021. This move followed the reversal of an Obama-era Department of Justice opinion on the Wire Act, which cleared the way for states to regulate online lottery.

The most popular type of online lottery is a site that hosts the actual lottery game itself. These websites are run by the same people as traditional lotteries, and they are usually branded with a lotto logo or similar design element. These sites may also feature a chat support team, which can help with questions and problems. Another popular type of online lottery is a website that acts as an avenue for a standard lottery game, but does not host the actual draw. These sites typically have a large selection of games, and most major lotteries are featured.

There are a variety of payment methods for online lottery, and players should be aware that some options are more secure than others. Some of the most popular options include PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller. In addition to these popular options, some online lotteries accept bank wire transfers. Some sites even provide a service that will send someone into a store and buy a physical ticket on your behalf, then scan it and send it to you. This option is usually more secure than other options, but it can take longer.