The lottery is one of the most popular games in the US, and online lotteries are an easy way to play. The process of buying a ticket is simple and convenient, with many sites optimized for mobile use. In addition, most lottery apps are free to download. While it is not a guaranteed win, looking at the past results of a particular lottery can help players choose which numbers to play. For example, numbers like 7 and 21 tend to appear more often than others. However, because lotteries are still random at heart, chasing patterns can be risky.
Purchasing tickets for the lottery online is relatively new, but is becoming increasingly popular. The first US state to legalize online lottery games was Illinois in 2012. More than a decade later, the trend has continued with more and more states making their games available for purchase. The latest to join the movement is Georgia, which will allow its residents to play online starting in 2022.
There are many benefits to playing the lottery online. The most obvious benefit is convenience. Playing online allows people to skip the line at a lottery store and buy their tickets from home. It also makes it easier to check current jackpots and odds. Online lottery sites also tend to offer a wider variety of games than retail locations. Moreover, prize collection is much simpler. Typically, prizes under $600 are paid electronically. However, winnings over $600 require a trip to the lottery office in order to get physical cash.