Online lottery is a gambling service that offers players the opportunity to play games of chance on the internet. There are many different types of lotteries that offer a variety of prizes, including instant-win scratch tickets and traditional drawing-style games with large jackpots. The majority of states now allow their residents to purchase lottery tickets online, with some even offering a fully-fledged state-regulated iLottery platform.

Some opponents of the online lottery point to the risk of cannibalization of traditional game sales, but this isn’t necessarily a concern. Most of the major online lotteries have seen steady growth in game sales since their launch, and this trend is likely to continue as more states legalize their services.

The best online lottery sites feature secure signup and deposit methods, easy to use user interfaces, and a variety of different games. They also provide helpful information about each game, its odds of winning, and current jackpots. The best websites also boast top payout records, so you can feel confident that your winnings will be paid out promptly and securely.

In addition to allowing you to purchase lottery tickets online, many of these sites allow you to place bets on the outcomes of major lotteries. They may charge a small fee for each bet, but you will still be able to place the same number combinations as in an official lottery ticket. The best sites will have a full range of betting options, including multiple currency options.

In the US, state-regulated lotteries have been able to sell tickets online since 2012. Illinois is one of the most popular states for lottery gaming, with an extensive selection of games available. The state’s online lottery offerings include the Powerball and Mega Millions games as well as Pick-3 and Pick-4, which are only available to subscription holders. The site also allows players to purchase tickets for the daily lotto, which has smaller jackpots but is still worth playing for. The site also supports mobile devices, making it easier to play on the go.