Lottery online is a relatively new concept that allows players to play the lottery games they want, when they want. It is usually regulated and offers a variety of games and jackpot sizes. However, it is important to know how to spot a fake lottery site before you sign up and start playing. In addition, to avoid any problems in the future, you should read the terms of service and privacy policies carefully before registering at an online lottery website.

A legitimate lottery site should have a license to operate and be heavily regulated by gambling commissions. If a lottery site doesn’t have these credentials, you should move on to another one. Additionally, you should check how easy it is to contact customer support, whether they offer phone, email, chat and more. Finally, you should look at the jackpot size and side attractions such as instant win and number draw.

The majority of lottery sites aren’t government-run like traditional lotteries, but rather private businesses that act as middlemen between players and official state-sanctioned games. These websites typically charge a fee to buy tickets on behalf of their customers and send them a digital scan once the winning numbers are announced. Some online lotteries also offer subscription services that allow players to play on a pay-as-you-go basis in multiple drawings for weeks or even months. Depending on the website, these services might also come with discounts or free tickets to weekly draws.