Online Lottery is a great way to play a variety of lottery games without having to leave the comfort of your home. Whether you are looking to play local state-specific games or national ones, online lottery websites provide an easy-to-use interface for purchasing entries to your chosen game. These sites are not government-run, but rather private businesses that act as middlemen between players and the official lottery games. Regardless, you can be sure that any money won is legitimate when it’s sold by an approved vendor.
The first US state to launch an online lottery was Illinois, followed by Georgia and most recently, the District of Columbia. Interestingly, DC’s collection of iLottery games are provided by IWG (which also powers the likes of Street Fighter II Instant Win). The games are available 24 hours a day and are played via mobile devices, computers, and laptops.
When choosing an online lottery site, look for a licensed operator with secure and reputable payment methods. Legitimate sites will display their licensing details on the website and offer SSL encryption software to keep your personal information safe. Additionally, they will offer support for tax payments and will help you claim your winnings. This is especially important because you’ll be required to report winnings over $600 and your state may require that a certain percentage be withheld. Typically, these sites will send you the W2-G form to fill out and withhold 24% federal tax plus your state’s rate.