Online lottery is one of the fastest growing forms of legal gambling in the US. It’s a great way to win big cash prizes without leaving home or paying an arm and a leg.

The first step to playing online is to sign up with an honest, licensed lottery site. This will allow you to play from anywhere, have access to a wide range of games, and be safe in the knowledge that your personal information is protected by SSL encryption software.

You’ll also need to find a lottery that accepts players from your country. This will ensure that your money stays safe, as well as helping you claim any winnings. Some companies even offer insurance for your prize.

Most state-run lotteries in the United States use their proceeds to support local schools, charities, and other programs. However, many also direct revenue to national organizations and causes.

In recent years, state lotteries have begun to explore the possibility of selling lottery tickets online. This has not been possible in the past, because federal law prohibits lottery sales across state lines. In 2011 though, the DOJ clarified its opinion on the Wire Act and, as a result, more states are taking steps to authorize online lottery sales.

A number of states have approved online lottery subscriptions, and some offer online scratch card-style games. Some of these sites are regulated by state gaming agencies and have secure payment methods, a password-protected account, and SSL encryption to keep your personal details safe.

Some lottery sites also provide free tickets to new users, allowing you to try out the site for free and see if you like it. Some also have deposit bonuses where you can earn extra money on your deposits, which can then be used to purchase additional (free) tickets.

The best sites offer a variety of bonuses and promotions to attract players. These can include free tickets, eXTRA Chance promotions, bundled packages and other special offers that can increase your chances of winning.

While these bonuses and promotions can sometimes increase the cost of your ticket, they can also save you money in the long run. Moreover, they can give you the opportunity to play more often.

When choosing an online lottery site, make sure it is regulated by a reputable state gaming authority and that its licensing details are clearly visible on the website. The best sites will also have a wide selection of games, a secure banking system, and a strong commitment to user security.

Online lottery is not as widespread as offline lotteries, but it has the potential to grow rapidly in the United States. In fact, there are already seven states that have approved the sale of tickets online, and more will likely follow suit in the future.

In addition to buying individual lottery tickets, you can also buy subscriptions that allow you to participate in multiple drawings at once. These subscriptions are more convenient than buying individual tickets, as you can register, pay for your subscription, check winning numbers, and extend your subscription in the comfort of your own home.