Online lottery games offer convenience, security, and a variety of choices. The best sites have a user-friendly mobile platform and 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone. They also have a wide variety of state-specific and national lottery games to choose from.

Lottery is one of the most popular forms of gambling in the United States. It has a long history dating back to the early 1700s, when it was first mentioned in newspapers. The modern version of the lottery is much different from its colonial predecessors and is regulated by US state laws.

The first state to legalize online lottery games was Illinois in 2012. In addition to this, six other states currently offer state-licensed lottery online: Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. In these states, players can buy tickets directly from the official website of the state lottery. In addition, major third-party courier services offer lotteries to residents of states where the state lottery does not offer them directly.

When choosing an online lottery site, be sure to review its security protocols and regulation. The best lottery websites use reputable payment processors and are licensed by the appropriate gambling authority. They also use secure SSL encryptions to protect your financial information. Additionally, they should offer a variety of gaming options, including lottery syndicates, scratchcards, and keno.

Winning the lottery can be a life-changing experience, but it’s important to play responsibly. Make sure to set a spending limit and stick to it. In addition, be sure to use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication when necessary. This will help protect your account and your winnings.