Online Lottery is a form of gambling that allows players to participate in state-approved online lottery games without going to a physical retail outlet. It is available to residents of states where the game is legal, and it offers the same winning odds as traditional lottery games. It also allows players to play from the convenience of their own homes or workplaces, and can be accessed using a mobile phone, computer or tablet.

The online lottery industry has grown significantly over the past decade, with more and more players switching to this mode of play. There are numerous advantages to playing the lottery online, including ease of purchase and access to a wider range of games. However, there are some complexities involved with playing the lottery online that must be understood before a player begins to play.

One of the main differences between a traditional lottery and an online version is that online lotteries are not government-run. They are private businesses that act as middlemen for official lottery games such as Mega Millions or Powerball. These companies are able to offer a larger pool of national and international games than what would be possible if all players were limited to the lotteries that are available in their home country.

Another difference is that a licensed online lottery site will use geolocation technology to ensure that every player is located within the borders of their state. This is necessary because federal law prohibits lottery sales across state lines. Moreover, it prevents the website from charging players extra fees that would be in violation of state law.