Online lottery is a form of gambling that allows players to purchase tickets and enter draws from the convenience of their homes or wherever they are. It is an excellent option for busy people who can’t always make it to their local lottery store, as they can still participate in Powerball and other state games while on the go. Online lottery is also convenient for office pools, as there’s no need to run out on behalf of the group.

The growth of the online lottery market is largely driven by mobile technology, as more and more people have smartphones with high-speed Internet access. In fact, according to UK-based price comparison and switching service Uswitch Limited, by 2022, there will be 71.8 million smartphone connections in the country. This widespread availability of mobile devices is expected to continue to support the online lottery industry in the coming years.

Buying lottery tickets online is easy, but it’s important to choose a legitimate site and follow all applicable regulations when playing for real money. Always check out a website’s security and privacy policies, look for a customer service number, and read all terms of service and fine print. It’s also a good idea to play regularly and set limits on how much you can spend, as consistency can increase your chances of winning.

Illinois was the first US state to legalize online lottery in 2012, and now there are six more states that allow players to buy tickets through their official websites. In addition, some of these sites allow players to purchase tickets for multi-state lotteries like Mega Millions and Powerball.