Online lottery play in the US is a relatively new concept. Unlike traditional lotteries, which are government-run, online sites are private enterprises that use a combination of geolocation, technology and security measures to make tickets and winnings secure.

There are only seven states in the country that allow players to buy their tickets online. While some are still undecided, more states are looking to jump on the online ticket sales bandwagon.

Although online lottery play is relatively new to the United States, the industry has been undergoing a technological revolution. The best online lottery sites offer everything a player needs to get started. They’re also regulated by gambling commissions to ensure players receive their prizes.

Some of the top-rated sites also include instant random options. A random option is a type of lottery game that gives the player a choice between a box of numbers that will be randomly selected. If the chosen box matches the ones drawn, the player wins.

Buying a lottery ticket from an official state-run website will cost you the same as buying one from a brick and mortar store. However, the price of a ticket does not include entry fees or other handling costs.

Another tidbit is that a lot of states have online apps. These applications can help players find retailers, scan their winning tickets for second chance draws and learn about promotions. Using an app can also be a good way to see if they’re getting a good deal on their tickets.