Unlike traditional lotteries, online lotteries are not sold at brick-and-mortar stores. They are hosted on websites, which offer a wide variety of lottery games. Some of these lottery games are available on mobile devices.
When purchasing an online lottery ticket, the customer must create an account. They can do so by using their credit card or a debit card. The most common methods are Visa and MasterCard. There are also some lottery sites that accept PayPal payments. Typically, the ticket price is the same as a brick-and-mortar ticket.
Some online lotteries offer syndicates and instant games. This allows players to share profits. Another feature is the number shield, which enables players to receive a cash prize if they match a certain number of numbers.
There are two main types of online lotteries: official lottery websites and lottery agent sites. Official lottery websites are state-approved and regulated. A legitimate lottery site will protect user information by using SSL encryption software. The sites will also offer secure payment options.
Official lottery websites are also safer than lottery agent sites. The site will notify the winner by email or SMS. The site also makes it easy to claim the prize.
Online lotteries are growing in popularity because of the convenience they offer. Players can play lotto whenever they want. They can play on a mobile device or on their computer. They can log into their account from any location. The jackpots are smaller in this type of lottery, but the odds of winning are better.