Some states are considering offering their lottery services online, but only a handful have gotten the green light yet. More are likely to follow. Until that happens, lottery players in these states can still buy tickets in their local lottery store or at an authorized retailer. Regardless of which method you use, online lottery services can help you increase your chances of winning.
The Illinois Lottery’s website offers Lotto, Powerball, and Mega Millions tickets. It also offers subscriptions to the Pick 3 and Pick 4 daily games. In late 2021, the Illinois Lottery will introduce Fast Play online instant win games, which work like scratch cards. The Kentucky Lottery also recently expanded its online presence by offering Powerball, Mega Millions, and Lucky for Life tickets. It also offers online scratch cards with instant prizes.
Online lottery services can be legal in some states, but you should check to ensure the legitimacy of the retailer. Some states, such as Texas, do not accept winning lottery tickets purchased through these services. Another thing to keep in mind is that you may be purchasing a ticket from someone else – it’s always best to buy them at a physical lottery counter to be safe.
As of late, only seven jurisdictions offer lottery games online. As recently as 2015, there were eight, but Minnesota cancelled its program. However, in 2011, the Department of Justice clarified its position on the Wire Act, opening the way for states to offer online lottery tickets. Some states offer their own lotto online apps, while others defer to third-party applications. States without online lotteries cite verification issues as their reason for not offering online lottery games.