While traditional lotteries are government-run, many states also offer an online version of their games. While the primary utility of online lottery sites is to view winning numbers, locate a participating lottery office, and find contact information, some are also branching out to offer Instant Games, casino-like games you can play without purchasing a ticket. These Instant Games are available on the web and mobile apps. They may be more fun and easier to use than traditional lotteries, but they come with a few drawbacks.
While purchasing an online lottery ticket differs from purchasing a traditional lottery ticket, most sites and applications use geolocation technology to confirm user locations. While many states allow players from all over the world to play, some require that participants live in their state or the country in which the lottery is held. For this reason, it is best to purchase your lottery ticket from an official vendor such as an online lottery website. Once you’ve purchased your ticket, the lottery website will send you a notification via email, SMS, or direct deposit.
Before you purchase an online lottery ticket, make sure you check whether the site is licensed by your state’s gaming authority. Licensed lottery sites are safe, legal, and highly secure. There are many scam sites out there, but the genuine lottery sites care about your experience. The Minnesota lottery, for example, discontinued selling tickets online in 2015.
In the US, the online lottery industry is booming, and with good reason. While online lottery sites offer convenience, many players prefer to play their lottery tickets from the comfort of their own home. You can also find many of the same lottery options available at brick-and-mortar retailers. Some states have even passed laws to protect consumers. Just make sure you’re 18 years or older to play an online lottery. The laws regarding online lottery sites are constantly changing, but it is important to remember that there are some caveats.
Pennsylvania has made an important step in expanding their online lottery. The lottery site provides instant win games and electronic scratch-offs. Although online lottery sales have not yet affected the physical lottery’s revenue, they have increased its popularity. The Michigan lottery has seen its weekly online sales reach $8 million in March 2016.
The Maine lottery has undergone several changes, and now offers a large variety of national games, such as Lucky for Life. For online lottery play, you can subscribe to the Mega Millions and Powerball online. Unfortunately, you can’t purchase individual tickets online yet, but the subscription option is great news for Maine lottery fans. If the state continues to improve its online offerings, players might see them expand their offerings soon. The state has a few more exciting online lotteries in the future, and we’re sure to have more to enjoy.
New Hampshire legalized its online lottery last summer, and since then, the US online lottery system has advanced significantly. You can now play the Powerball lottery online in the state. Other states are following suit, with the US Department of Gaming and Alcohol Regulation (DGA) allowing lottery games to be played online. Besides Illinois, Massachusetts and Rhode Island have enacted legislation allowing players to purchase lottery tickets online. So, if you’re looking to purchase tickets, be sure to check out the latest lottery rules and regulations.