Online Lottery is a lottery game that can be played through websites. Unlike the traditional lottery games, which are run by state agencies, most online lottery sites are run by private companies. While this does not mean that they are illegitimate, it does make it more difficult to determine the legitimacy of a site. To be safe, it is always a good idea to check whether a website or lottery app is registered with the state gambling commission before you hand over your money.

Most US states offer a variety of lottery games including instant-win scratch tickets and traditional drawing-style games with large jackpots. Retailers who sell these tickets are carefully vetted and required to pass a criminal background check, post a huge bond, and meet other requirements. Unfortunately, it is not possible to impose the same level of scrutiny on websites and apps that sell tickets. That’s why only seven states currently offer online lottery games.

The majority of these online lottery websites are free to use, though some do charge extra fees for certain services. These fees can be hidden in the fine print, so it is important to read them carefully before purchasing any tickets. Usually, these additional fees are small and don’t drive up the ticket prices much.

The best online lottery sites also have a system in place that makes it easy to claim your winnings. If you win up to a minimum amount, your winnings will be automatically deposited into your account. If your winnings are bigger than that, you’ll need to visit a lottery agent in person to claim your prize.