Online Lottery are games where players bet on the outcomes of official lottery games. They aren’t the same as traditional lottery websites, which offer entries to the games they are selling but not the actual game tickets. Legitimate online lottery sites are regulated by gambling commissions and feature secure connections. They also display clear terms of use and privacy policies.

Online lotteries typically feature a variety of games and have a simple process. Players create an account, choose a game and then select numbers. The site then displays the results of the drawing and determines whether or not you won. Many sites also allow you to play multiple games at a time and set up recurring subscriptions for weeks, months or even years.

If you win, the prize will usually be deposited directly into your account. However, if your winnings exceed a minimal amount, you may be required to claim them in person.

The District of Columbia became the latest US jurisdiction to launch a legalized online lottery in 2021. DC chose lottery software provider IWG and is currently offering a range of scratch-type games and Keno Multiplier titles.

Retailers that sell lottery tickets must be licensed and undergo rigorous background checks and hefty bond amounts. Unfortunately, there are rogue operators out there that sell lottery tickets online without any of the safeguards that are in place to protect consumers. Legally sanctioned lottery websites use geolocation technology to ensure that any customer attempting to purchase tickets from the site is within state lines.