Most states have websites that offer a variety of online lottery games. These sites generally offer the same functionality as the traditional lotteries – access to winning numbers, locations and contact information. A select few online lotteries have expanded their offerings with Instant Games, which are casino-like games you can play on your computer or mobile device.
To play an online lottery, you must first register with the site and deposit funds into your account. Once you’ve done so, you can select the lottery game you’d like to play. Many sites offer a variety of deposit options, including credit cards, e-checks, PayPal, and Bitcoin. A good online lotto site will also have a secure SSL encryption software, which helps protect sensitive information from the hands of hackers.
If you’re just starting out and don’t have the necessary resources to build your own online lottery site, you may want to consider a white-label lottery platform provider. These websites can offer a range of games and features and are easily customizable to your branding. With their help, you can create a basic online lottery website in no time. However, these providers’ offerings will be limited to the markets they serve, so you may end up with the same games as other operators in your market.
Online lottery games are becoming increasingly popular, with several Northeastern states pursuing the legalization of lottery games over the internet. For example, New Hampshire legalized an online lottery in the summer of 2014 and now offers e-Instant games that you can play from your desktop, tablet or smartphone. Other states are considering a similar option, such as Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Another option is to subscribe to an online lottery service that allows you to purchase tickets for all the drawings. These subscriptions generally cost about the same as the real-world price and are available in a variety of price ranges. The official state-sponsored lottery website will also charge the same prices for tickets that you would purchase in person.
Buying tickets online can also be convenient. With a lottery subscription, you can set up recurring purchases and skip the check-out process altogether. Many online lotteries accept debit and credit cards for purchasing tickets. In some cases, PayPal is also an option, which is particularly useful if you don’t have a credit card.
The state of Pennsylvania allows online lottery sales. This law was updated in October 2017 to legalize online casino gambling, including online lotteries. The Pennsylvania lottery is not yet offering MegaMillions or Powerball online, but it does offer other lottery games such as Keno and virtual sports. It’s always worth checking with your state’s laws regarding online gambling before placing your bets.
Despite opposition from some states, online lottery sales in Pennsylvania have grown steadily. While opponents of legalized online lottery sites raise legitimate concerns about problem gambling and state revenues, the fact is that online lotteries have minimal to no impact on traditional lottery sales. In Illinois and Michigan, online lottery operators must ensure that all customers are residents of their state.
