Currently, there are only seven states that offer online lotteries in the United States. But, there are a number of others that are considering expanding their online presence.
Although the US lottery system is relatively young, its evolution has been accelerated by technology. Some states are offering “instant win” scratch cards online and some are even offering online sports betting. These interactive gambling platforms provide a variety of lottery-style games that can be played from your desktop, mobile phone, or tablet.
The largest jackpots from online lotteries are often for a few million dollars, but prizes can be as small as $5. Depending on the state, online lotteries also have a variety of draw games.
The best online lottery sites are those that offer a secure, user-friendly way to buy tickets, check winning numbers, and compare odds. Often, subscriptions are available that allow players to pay a monthly fee and receive a ticket for each drawing. Purchasing these is almost as convenient as buying a physical ticket in person. However, some lottery websites may not be legal in your state. If your state does not allow online lottery sales, you can still play lottery-style games for real money at online casinos.
One of the earliest states to offer online lottery was Illinois. Its website first sold individual Powerball lottery tickets in December 2012, and later added Daily Lottery Games and Instant Games. Soon after, the state added a feature to buy individual Mega Millions tickets.
Pennsylvania launched an online lottery in June 2018. The Pennsylvania iLottery reportedly sold more than $4 billion in game tickets during its first year of operation. During that time, the lottery also donated more than $80 million to charity.
Other states that have offered online lottery tickets include New Hampshire, Michigan, Virginia, and Rhode Island. Rhode Island is currently in the midst of legalizing its own online lottery, but other states are examining the possibilities. There are a few reasons why some states do not have online lottery sales. Most cite security concerns and cannibalization of the traditional lottery business. Others note that the US Department of Justice clarified its position on the Wire Act in 2011. This means that a state can sell a lottery ticket online if it can show that the law enables it.
There are some states that have also incorporated the use of geolocation technology into their applications. For instance, the North Dakota Click & Play feature supports online pools and other related activities. While the most important functionality of this application is a simple one, the feature’s other important function is being able to locate a lottery ticket in North Dakota.
Another useful feature is a bonus system. Each new customer is able to claim two welcome offers, including a $10 free game and a 50% extra bonus credit. In addition to the most obvious benefits, the bonuses can help your bankroll by increasing the number of draws you can participate in.