The global online lottery market is expected to grow at a significant pace during the forecast period. The growth is primarily due to a large number of factors, including the increasing popularity of online gaming and the rapid growth of internet users. Furthermore, these factors are likely to encourage online lottery players to engage in more innovative activities.

While playing the lottery online can be more convenient, it is important to stay away from fraudulent sites. Legitimate lottery sites are regulated by gambling commissions, offer secure payment options, and utilize SSL encryption software to protect your personal information. You can also check out if the website is regulated by state gaming agencies.

The number of jurisdictions offering online lottery play has grown substantially in recent years. Currently, seven jurisdictions offer online lottery play, with Minnesota dropping its online lottery program in March 2012. In 2011, the Department of Justice clarified its stance on the Wire Act, allowing states to sell lottery tickets over the internet. Some states have their own online lottery app, while others rely on third-party apps. Some states still don’t allow online lottery play due to legal issues, such as identity verification.

In addition to making the lottery more convenient to play, online lotteries also enable players to participate in international games. While most traditional lotteries are government-run, online lotteries are run by private companies. In essence, these businesses act as middlemen between the players and the official government lottery. The benefits of this arrangement include that players can play national and international games from any country.