Online lottery can present a few more complexities than the traditional brick-and-mortar option. But with some basic knowledge, you can avoid the traps and have a smooth, hassle-free lottery experience.

First and foremost, you should only play the official state lotteries if possible. Doing so saves you money, cuts out the middleman, and feels more secure. You should also make sure to check out a site’s payout record, which will give you a good idea of its reputation.

Another important consideration is what type of games are offered at the site. Most reputable online lottery sites offer a variety of games, including scratch cards, keno, and raffles. They also accept a number of payment options, including Visa and MasterCard. Some even offer ACH or PayPal.

When it comes to claiming prizes, most sites have a process in place. Small prizes tend to get credited to your account automatically, while larger prizes may require you to submit proof of identity before they will process a payout. In some cases, you’ll need to visit the physical lottery location to claim your prize.

The District of Columbia was the most recent jurisdiction to introduce an online lottery, launching its website in January 2021. Its collection of iLottery games, which are provided by IWG/NeoPollard, includes Street Fighter II Instant Win and Jungle Tumble Jackpots. The top prizes for these games are a bit lower than the average for New Hampshire and Pennsylvania, but they still offer a chance to win substantial amounts.