Whether you love the thrill of hitting it big or just want to try your luck with some numbers, lottery online is a great way to play. But before you buy any tickets, make sure that the site is licensed by a trusted regulatory body. This information is often shared in the footer or bottom of the website.

It’s also important to store your ticket in a secure location so it’s hard for someone else to steal it. It’s a good idea to sign the ticket at the back, which can help you prove that it belongs to you in case it is stolen. Similarly, it’s recommended that you keep track of any winning numbers and prize amounts in a journal or on your computer. This can help you avoid claiming any fake prizes.

Online lottery is a fast-growing industry and there are a number of different websites that offer lottery games online. Some are official state lotteries, while others are independent operators that are regulated by gambling authorities. The latter have a more thorough verification process for their players. In addition, they are more likely to be reliable than unauthorized lotteries.

Pennsylvania’s iLottery platform has been available since 2018 and has generated nearly $2 billion in sales to date. While opponents have valid concerns, including problem gambling and cannibalization of traditional sales, data shows that online lottery games are not significantly impacting state revenue. Moreover, they may actually be bringing in new customers and increasing lottery game participation.