Online lottery play is a relatively new phenomenon in the US. In fact, a few states already have online lotteries in place, and more are expected to follow suit in the near future. However, the rules of playing these games can differ from state to state. For instance, most state lottery laws limit the ticket sales to those within the state, so you might not be able to buy your tickets from a website from another state. This is due to legal interpretations of the Wire Act. But in any case, there are plenty of great online lottery games available, many of which have jackpots worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The first state to offer an online lottery was Illinois, which launched a pilot program in March 2012. Soon after, it added Powerball and Daily Lottery Games. Later on, it expanded its online offerings to include Instant Games, as well.
Another state in the game is New Hampshire, which began offering its own online lottery last summer. This lottery includes a number of draw and scratch games, including the mega-prizes Mega Millions and Powerball.
Some other states that have online lottery sites include Massachusetts and Rhode Island. While these states have not approved all the big jackpots yet, they are considering expanding their reach. They do, however, allow for subscription services and the sale of tickets on the Internet.
Most states offer a small selection of instant win scratch games on the Internet. These are similar to real-life scratch games, but they are played from the comfort of your own home. Depending on the particular game, top prizes can range from $1 to $20. If you are fortunate enough to win a prize larger than this, you will have to visit a local claim center. Usually, winnings can be cashed in at retail locations, or they can be transferred to a bank account.
Other states with online lotteries include Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. These lottery sites feature a variety of games, including keno, lottery tickets, and even virtual sports. Each offers their own unique set of features, such as the ability to purchase a ticket, and the ability to win a large prize.
Several third-party online lottery apps have popped up in recent years. One of the most prominent is Jackpocket. It is designed to ensure the safety of your money by requiring proof of residence before you can buy a lottery ticket. You can use your smartphone, tablet, or desktop to play these games.
In the long run, online lottery may prove to be a valuable tool for many states. For instance, a single version of Keno with a $1 to $10 top prize is only fifty cents per ticket. Moreover, an insurance company guarantees the jackpot, so the odds of winning are not skewed in favor of the player.
Despite the potential benefits of online lottery sales, the legislation still has to be passed. Currently, only six states have approved such sales.