An official lottery is one that is run by the government. There are a number of ways to play, including purchasing tickets online. Subscription services are a great way to purchase tickets automatically, either weekly, monthly, or yearly. These subscription services will help you pick your numbers in advance and will check your tickets to see if you have won. If you win, you’ll receive a check in the mail or a form with instructions on how to claim your prize.
Many states allow their lotteries to sell tickets online and have gaming licenses that give them the authority to offer online games. Some states, such as Oregon, have even authorized their lottery to offer sports betting. In addition to selling tickets online, some states have made it easier for lottery players to purchase tickets. Online ticket purchases allow players to enter state-level drawings from the comfort of their own home, or enter major multi-state drawings. Some states also offer instant win scratch cards online.
When purchasing tickets online, make sure to look for the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) lock symbol in your web browser’s address bar. This ensures the security of information exchanged between the site and your computer. An official lottery ticket must be backed by a license from a gaming authority.