Online lottery websites allow you to buy tickets for lottery games in a matter of seconds. This makes playing the lottery convenient even when you’re on the go. The best lottery websites allow you to play from your smartphone or tablet, so you can get your tickets from anywhere you have Internet access. Many top lottery sites offer all major lottery games, but they don’t always offer smaller lottery games in specific states.
Legality of playing the lottery online in the United States
Although the federal government has prohibited online lottery sales, a number of states have adopted the practice. The New Hampshire Lottery, for example, sued the Justice Department in 2018, and a federal court ruled in favor of the state. The legal landscape favors additional states allowing online sales of lottery tickets. Additionally, as state budgets continue to shrink, it is likely that legislators will continue to favor online lottery sales despite the UIGEA.
Until recent years, several states shied away from online lottery sales, citing legal issues. For example, the federal Wire Act prohibits interstate wire communications, which does not apply to online lotteries. However, the DOJ’s opinion regarding this issue narrowed the scope of the Wire Act, and there are currently no federal laws prohibiting lottery games on the internet. In fact, if you’re a licensed lottery agent, you can even play the lottery online.
Availability of online lotteries in the United States
Today, only seven jurisdictions in the United States offer an online lottery. This number had grown to eight in 2015, but Minnesota’s online lottery program was cancelled in early 2016. A 2011 Department of Justice clarification on the Wire Act opened the way for states to sell lottery tickets online. Some states have their own online lottery apps, while others defer to third-party applications. The states that do not offer online lottery tickets cite verification issues as a reason for their decision.
There are a number of benefits to playing an online lottery in the USA. In addition to winning a prize, players get access to unique promotions and bonuses. For example, USAonline lottery sites often offer welcome bonuses, special offers, giveaways, and promo codes. Additionally, these lottery sites are required by law to adhere to state laws.
