Online lottery offers the same convenience as buying a ticket in person, but with added bonus features. It allows players to buy tickets in any state that allows it, as long as they have the correct identification and internet connection. It’s also a good idea to check the terms and conditions of the site before you decide to play. They should be clear and not obtuse or make you feel suspicious about how the site operates. If you notice a lottery website that tries to hide their terms or avoid direct answers, then it is likely not legitimate.

The vast majority of online lotteries are national or state-run, so they follow strict rules and are transparent in their operations. It would be difficult for them to rig the games, and they’d lose their licenses and reputation if it was revealed that they did so. However, some online lotteries are privately run by lottery betting sites, and they can be a little shadier than the official government-run ones.

When you sign up for an account, you will be required to verify your identity and age. If you win, the lottery will contact you to confirm your winnings. To keep your account safe, you should never share it with other people or use another person’s identity when playing the lottery online. Additionally, the lottery website will only send notifications to one email address or phone number. This is to prevent multiple accounts from being able to purchase and win tickets.