Unlike traditional lotteries, online lottery sites are operated by private companies, not the government. These businesses act as middlemen between the player and the game. This gives players a chance to choose a game from a broader pool of games. A few tips are worth mentioning, though: make sure the lottery site is regulated by a gambling commission, and read the terms and conditions before signing up.
Some states have introduced online lottery purchasing, and others are considering it. Previously, the state of Minnesota offered lottery tickets for purchase online, but suspended the service in 2015. The Arizona lottery, which is a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association, sells tickets online. The money raised goes to various public causes. And the lottery organization in Arkansas is called the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, offering several draw games and multi-state games.
The legality of online lottery sales is questionable, however. Many offshore lottery providers claim to sell tickets online but send you out to buy them from an official retailer. While the legitimacy of these companies is doubtful, the official lottery’s position is to stick with an official lottery in your state. Today, seven states offer legal online lottery sales.
Online lottery games can be incredibly popular. Players can play their favorite games for as little as $0.05 each. They range from scratchers to Mega Millions, and tickets can even be purchased in bulk for up to 104 consecutive drawings. Despite the popularity of online lottery games, the state’s traditional lottery sales are thriving.
Other lottery games available online include the Pennsylvania Lottery, which has made its games available online since May 29, 2018. You can also play games such as virtual sports and instant-win games. The Michigan Lottery also launched an online platform in 2014. It also offers several major lotteries. In the US, you can play games like Mega Millions, Powerball, Lotto 47, and Fantasy 5 among others.
The Illinois Lottery was the first state to offer online lottery sales. The website features all of the state’s major lotteries and instant-win games. In just two years, the lottery sold $37 million in tickets online. Additionally, 25% of the lottery’s revenues go toward education and healthcare in the state. The Illinois Lottery is operated by the UK-based Camelot Group.
Some states require a license to conduct online lottery sales. Jackpocket is a licensed lottery service that allows consumers to buy tickets online in eight states. It also serves as a third-party lottery courier, offering purchases of lottery tickets for national and in-state drawing games. The website offers instant tickets and scratchers, with cash prizes available to winners.