For years you have been able to purchase NY Lottery subscriptions online, and recently found out that yiu can buy most of not all tickets online up to a little while before the drawing.   There's a company called Jackpocket that is officially licensed to handle the transactions.  You do have to be a NY resident and in the state when you purchase. 

You pick your numbers or choose a quick pick and buy.  Quick and easy.  A little while later you get your confirmation and a scan of your ticket.  

If you win a small prize it goes right back into your Jackpocket account.  Larger prizes there is a different procedure.  

Check it out with this link and get a bonus deposited in you account to play! 

Oh in addition to the NY Lotto games you can buy Powerball and MegaMllions tickets too!