Purchasing lottery tickets online has become a very popular pastime in recent years. It’s safe, convenient and affordable. Buying online also saves you the time and hassle of driving to a local lotto outlet. However, there are many important details that you should know before making an online purchase.
Most states have their own online lottery game, and there are a few major types. One type is a website that hosts the actual lottery game itself. This site will draw the winning combinations and distribute the prizes. The other kind is an online portal that sells tickets for a state’s regular lottery game. This type of site will usually use geolocation to ensure that players are located within state lines.
In addition to ensuring that players are located in the proper state, legitimate online lottery sites will also handle tax payments. If you win a prize over $600, the site will automatically withhold 24% federal tax and your state’s standard income tax rate. In addition, the site will also send you a W2-G form to fill out and submit to the IRS. In addition, most lottery sites also offer quick how-to’s and tutorials for the games they offer. This will help you avoid any mistakes that could cost you money.
