Online Lottery – A Fast-Growing Segment of the Gambling Industry

Online lottery is a fast-growing segment of the gambling industry. In the US, it is regulated by state governments and offers players a convenient way to purchase lottery tickets. It also lets them play multi-state lotteries like Powerball and Mega Millions, as well as their own state games.

Players can make deposits using ACH/eCheck, PayPal, debit cards and more at legal online lottery sites. Some offer a mobile app for added convenience, so you can play from the comfort of your couch or while on the go. In addition, some lottery sites offer Smart Order subscriptions, so you can buy tickets at the touch of a button.

The legal online lottery market is dominated by US-based companies. However, a number of international providers are gaining momentum as well. However, it is important to look for state-regulated apps and ensure that the site you choose has a license and certification from a reputable organization.

Currently, seven US states allow players to purchase state lottery tickets and instant win games or keno online. These include Illinois, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. Other states have partnered with third-party lottery courier services to sell lottery tickets online.

While it took decades to get physical lottery games into the mainstream, it didn’t take long for online lotteries to gain popularity. Its rise has been driven by intense internet penetration and improved betting processes. Online lotteries are also more convenient to use and safer than their physical counterparts. However, many people still prefer to play traditional lottery games at brick-and-mortar establishments.