When you buy lottery tickets online, you’re not only playing for a chance to win the jackpot but also helping your state’s lottery fund important state programs. This includes education, veterans services, natural resources, and more. In addition, it’s a safe and convenient way to play the lottery, eliminating the need for paper tickets and lengthy lines.
Unlike traditional lotteries, which are usually held at physical venues, state-sponsored online lotteries make it easy for players to buy tickets and check results on their own. They also offer a variety of payment options, including credit cards and mobile devices. They also have a better track record for detecting and eliminating fraud.
Many states have their own official lottery websites, but there are also some third-party websites that sell state-sponsored lottery tickets. These sites operate like bookmakers, taking bets on whether a particular number will come up in the draw. They are regulated by their respective governments, making them safer than unlicensed operators.
In New Hampshire, for example, you can play online games through the iLottery app and on desktop computers through the official lottery website. It offers a small selection of instant games, most of which overlap with the ones offered by Pennsylvania and Virginia. You can even sign up for email alerts to get up-to-the-minute information about the drawings. Despite the concerns of some opponents, there’s no evidence that online lotteries have cannibalized traditional retail ticket sales. Pennsylvania, for example, has seen its overall game sales grow since launching PA iLottery in 2018. Likewise, Ohio’s ePlaySlip app lets players pick their numbers and scan their phone at retailers without the need to fill out a physical ticket.