Online lottery is a form of gambling where you play games with numbers or symbols and hope to win. You can either purchase a physical ticket or an electronic one. The benefits of playing the online lottery are that you can access your account at any time and can easily check on your winnings. It also saves you time by eliminating the need to go to your local gaming parlour and wait in line.

When you play online lottery, a percentage of your money goes towards state programs and charities. For example, in Illinois, 25% of online lottery revenue is directed to local schools and charities like the Special Olympics. This makes it a great option for people who want to support their community.

In addition to this, many online lotteries offer various promotions and bonuses to attract players. These may include free tickets or discounted entries. Some even offer syndicate bundles, which can increase your chances of winning.

The best online lottery sites are reputable, secure and easy to use. Ensure that they have advanced security protocols and are regulated. The site should be mobile-friendly and load fast. It should also provide useful information and not be cluttered with advertisements.

Another feature to look out for is the number of games available on an online lottery site. If the site only offers a few games, you might not be interested in it. Also, make sure that it has a variety of payment options.