A number of US states now offer lottery games online, including the Powerball and Mega Millions. These lottery websites aren’t government-run, but private businesses that act as middlemen for official state and international lotteries. In many cases, these sites can buy official lottery entries on your behalf and scan them as proof of participation in the actual drawing. Buying tickets online is convenient, but it can also present some complexities that don’t exist when buying in person. This article will help you understand those complexities so that you can play lottery online safely and enjoy your experience without any of the hassles.
The main difference between lottery online and traditional lottery is that most lotteries that sell tickets online don’t actually purchase the actual entries to the official draws. Instead, they sell “entry tickets” that give you the same chance of winning as a physical ticket bought at a brick-and-mortar store. They usually charge the same price as a retail store, but with no extra handling fees. Some even keep track of your geolocation so that they can’t sell you a ticket if you’re not a native resident of the country you’re playing in.
If you’re considering buying a lotto ticket online, look for a website that offers a wide variety of payment methods. The best sites, like our top pick theLotter, support dozens of different options for players from all over the world. They also offer mobile apps for iOS and Android, making it easier to buy tickets on the go.