Online lottery is a system where players can bet money on games that are hosted remotely over the internet. This method of play is gaining popularity among players because it gives them the chance to win big prizes while sitting at home or on the go. Some states offer their own online lottery websites while others defer to third-party applications.

Aside from the convenience of being able to play online lotteries anytime, anywhere, they also provide better odds than traditional lotteries. The reason is because they allow you to buy more tickets, which in turn increases your chances of winning the jackpot. This is especially true if you join a lottery syndicate, a group of players who pool their money and purchase more tickets than they could individually. Lottery syndicates can multiply your odds by a fifth or more, making them a great way to increase your chances of winning the lottery.

Most online lotteries aren’t government-run, unlike traditional ones. Private businesses usually run them, and they act as middlemen for official lottery games. Many of them offer quick how-to’s or tutorials for each game, making it easy to get started.

The US market for online lottery is rapidly expanding as more states embrace the idea of selling state-run lottery games online. Illinois was the first to do so in 2012, and now six other states – Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Washington – offer online lottery games. The Pennsylvania iLottery launched in 2018, and its early results suggest that it hasn’t had any negative impact on traditional lottery sales.