Lottery online allows players to buy tickets to official state lottery games and receive their winnings. The process is usually fast, secure, and convenient. Players can play from home, work, or on the go using a desktop computer, smartphone, or tablet. Some states even offer a mobile app for lottery purchases.
In addition to state-specific lotteries, there are a number of multi-state lottery games with huge prizes. These include Powerball and Mega Millions, which are played in all 50 US states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The prizes for these lotteries can often reach a billion dollars or more.
Some states, such as New Hampshire, allow online lottery sales through a dedicated platform. These games are called e-Instants, and the New Hampshire lottery describes them as “faster, simpler versions of our drawing games.” These games typically cost from one cent to $20 and have top prizes in the five-figure range.
Other states, such as Rhode Island and Michigan, have integrated their online lottery services into existing sports betting sites. This approach makes the transition between gaming and lottery operations seamless, allowing players to purchase lottery tickets with the same account they use for other state-licensed betting products. The District of Columbia, on the other hand, has a fully-developed online lottery site with a full suite of instant win games. The site went live in the summer of 2020, and it uses IWG for its games.
Legal online lottery apps are becoming more common, and the number of states with them is growing. Some offer a full suite of lottery games, while others only sell tickets to draw games such as Powerball and Mega Millions. The Jackpocket lottery app, for example, offers legal online lottery purchases in states such as MA, NY, OH, and TX. The app is available on iOS and Android devices.
Some critics of online lottery argue that it will cannibalize traditional game sales. However, data from the first year of Pennsylvania iLottery suggests otherwise. In fact, traditional game sales have increased every year since the launch of the iLottery. And in other states, such as Michigan, there are no signs that online lottery has had any effect on retail game sales.