Online lottery is a form of gambling that allows players to place bets on the outcomes of various lotteries around the world. Unlike traditional lotteries, which are run by government agencies, most online lottery sites are privately run businesses that act as middlemen between the players and official state-run lotteries. Some also offer optional betting extras like Power Play or Megaplier, which can boost jackpots to astronomical amounts.

Buying tickets online is legal in most states where it’s regulated. However, the legal landscape can change so it’s important to keep up with the latest changes in your area. The best way to avoid legal issues is to choose a lottery website that’s licensed and regulated by your local gambling authority. Also, make sure to read the site’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policies before committing to any deposits or playing games.

The first step in finding a safe, legitimate lottery site is to find one that offers the types of games you’re interested in. Most lottery websites will display information about the games they offer, including their payouts and jackpots. Some will also offer quick how-tos or tutorials for each of the different games they have on their website.

Another option for purchasing lottery tickets online is to use a state-regulated app like Jackpocket Lottery, which offers legally approved purchases in over a dozen states. These apps use geolocation technology to ensure that anyone trying to buy a ticket is within the state’s boundaries.