Lottery online is a relatively new concept, with only seven states offering the games to date. As more federal legislation becomes clear, it’s possible that more states will begin to offer lottery online, but until then, players should look for lottery sites that are licensed by their state and certified with organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG ICAP). These sites are able to offer better player protection than sites that are not accredited.

The first step in playing lottery online is to create an account with the website you choose. You’ll need to provide basic information like your name, email address and preferred payment method. Once you’ve done that, you can fund your account and begin purchasing tickets.

Many of the best lottery websites offer welcome bonuses for new users, allowing you to start off with a larger bankroll. These bonuses usually have specific terms and conditions, so make sure to read them carefully before you claim them.

Some lottery sites also offer instant win games, such as scratchers. These are tickets that have a latex-like substance over their playing surface, which you can scratch to reveal your prize. You can also find lottery games that use random numbers, such as raffles, and quick draw games.

The most important thing to remember when playing lottery online is to stay safe and play responsibly. Be sure to set deposit limits, do reality checks and take timeouts as needed. It’s also important to check for legal brands and stick to all available safer gambling advice.