Online lottery is a form of gambling where players can place bets on the outcomes of popular lotteries from anywhere in the world. It is an extremely convenient way to play the lottery as it eliminates the need to go to physical gaming parlours and buy tickets in person. It also offers a range of payment options including credit card, debit cards and mobile wallets. In addition to that, it also provides players with access to the world’s major lotteries and increases their chances of winning big jackpots.

Online lottery has grown rapidly due to technological advancements, increased security and compliance with regulations. In addition, online platforms are attracting a wide audience thanks to their user-friendly interface and engaging formats. In the US, there are several states that offer online lottery games. Nevertheless, the legality of these sites varies from state to state.

The growth of the online lottery market is largely driven by underlying macroeconomic factors such as economic stability and disposable income levels. When the economy is strong, people tend to spend more on recreational activities such as buying lottery tickets. Moreover, when the economy is weak, people are less likely to play the lottery as they prioritize spending on essential items.

In the US, there are 45 state-sponsored lotteries that offer an online lottery website and app. These include the Powerball and Mega Millions national lotteries, as well as each state’s own lottery games. The state-run websites are easy to use and offer a variety of services, such as buying tickets and checking results. Some states even have mobile apps that let you play the lottery on the go.

Other than state-run online lotteries, there are also third-party lottery websites that allow you to buy tickets for various US and international lotteries. These websites act as bookmakers and take your bets on the outcome of the lotteries. The best ones provide an instantaneous purchasing process and offer multiple ways to pay, such as credit card and mobile wallets.

Lastly, there are also online lotteries that focus on a specific game. For example, the Keno lottery is a drawing-type game where you select numbers and wait to see if you have won after the drawing is complete. These games can be found at online casinos and social and sweepstakes sites.

The first US state to legalize online lottery was Illinois in 2012. Since then, a number of other states have followed suit and now offer their own online lotteries. These include Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania.