The online lottery is a popular way to play for big prizes without having to leave your home. The best online lottery sites make it easy to buy tickets, check results, and watch live draws. They also provide information about past winning numbers and prizes. In addition, most of these websites are mobile-friendly and can be accessed on any device. They can even offer a number of free games, like keno and scratchcards.

Most states in the US now offer some form of online lottery. Most of these lotteries are not government-run, but rather private businesses that act as middlemen for the actual state-run games. The proceeds from these lotteries go towards state programs and charities, such as the Special Olympics or homelessness prevention.

It is legal to play the lottery in most US states, and the minimum age is 18. Whether you’re buying lottery tickets in a retail location or online, you must have proof of identity and a valid address. You can cash in small winnings at the store where you bought them, or for larger amounts, visit a lottery claim center to submit your documents and receive your funds. Depending on the amount of your winnings, you may have to sign tax forms and fill out an IRS W2-G form.

New Hampshire has recently become the latest US state to launch a legal lottery website. The site is operated by NeoPollard Interactive and offers several online instant-win games and draw games. It also sells tickets for the Mega Millions and Powerball lotteries. Moreover, it has an iLottery app that allows players to access their accounts on the go.

While the United States’ history with online lottery is still relatively young, it has been expanding rapidly. As laws change and become clearer, more states are likely to join the list.

A reputable lottery website will verify your identification and location before allowing you to purchase tickets. It will also have a variety of payment methods, including cryptocurrencies. Some of these sites even offer a free trial period to attract customers. Those who don’t offer these features should be avoided.

The first state to allow lottery sales over the Internet was Minnesota, which launched its lottery website in 2014. However, the state legislature eventually passed a law to end the online service.

The iLottery app is free to download, and it offers the same convenience of purchasing lottery tickets from a retail outlet. The app is available for iOS and Android devices. To use it, you must have an active phone number and a valid state identification card. It also offers other benefits, like access to news, videos, and upcoming draws. It also lets you select your numbers with a quick and easy-to-use interface. Msg & data rates may apply.