Online lottery is a form of gambling that allows people to purchase tickets and enter the drawing online. It is also a great way to win prizes without having to travel to the local lotto office. However, it is important to be aware of the risks involved before you start playing online. Legal lottery websites and apps must use geolocation technology to ensure all purchases are made within state lines. Any attempts to buy lottery tickets outside of the country will be detected and blocked by the website. This ensures that players only play lottery games they can afford to lose and does not violate federal law. Legitimate lottery sites should also offer secure payment methods, such as Visa, MasterCard, ACH and PayPal. The best sites also offer a variety of jackpot games, scratchcards, keno and raffles. Some even have a lottery syndicate option that allows you to share your winnings with friends and family members. The best online lottery websites should feature a wide range of games, including popular international and US lotteries. They should also offer different payment options and fast payout times. In addition to offering a great selection of games, the best online lottery sites should also offer high security measures and customer support services. These should include a live chat service, email and phone support for customers who need assistance. Most legitimate lottery sites will also have a help section that will explain the rules of each game, so you can make the most informed decision before you buy your ticket. Often, these websites will also provide tips and tricks to help you win more money. Some online lottery sites offer subscriptions that allow you to buy tickets for weeks or months at a time. These subscriptions usually cost less than the actual ticket prices and give you a chance to play multiple drawings in advance. There are also some states that offer lottery subscriptions, allowing you to play all their lotteries on a recurring basis. These subscriptions can be found on the official website of your state lottery and can be purchased for weeks, months or even a year at a time. One of the biggest benefits of playing online is that you can access your account at any time and anywhere. This is useful for people who are on the move and want to play their favourite lottery games anytime they want. Online lottery sites should also be mobile-friendly and compatible with all types of devices. This will give you the best possible experience no matter where you are. You should also find out if there are any bonuses available when you sign up with an online lottery site. This can be in the form of free entries to a specific draw or free spins on your first deposit. This can be a real bonus when you are new to the world of online lottery and will help you get the hang of things quickly.