The Georgia Lottery is going online.

Starting late this year or early next year, Georgians can buy Mega Millions, Powerball and Fantasy 5 tickets online. The lottery also has plans to add a new online version of the popular scratch-off game.

Lottery board chairman Jimmy Braswell says it’s time do what most business are doing, use the web to reach as many customers as possible.

“Any company now conducts a significant amount of their business on the internet,” said Braswell. “The Georgia Lottery will look at that means to grow their target market.”

Officials say there will be safeguards in place to check age and make sure only Georgia residents can play.

The aim is to shore up the HOPE scholarship programs.