With Legal-Gambling-USA.com, enjoy our selection of online casino legal in USA to play online lottery legally. This guide only list online casinos approved in the U.S. That have been authorized by one or more U.S. Note: Delaware became the first state to legalize online gambling on June 2012. New Jersey became the third state to.
- How To Buy Lottery Online In Usa
- Online Lottery Usa Legal Advice
- What States Sell Lottery Online
- Usa Lotto Online
If a particular state doesn't offer the option to buy lottery tickets directly from their official lottery website, then players can consider using an offshore messenger service.
The internet offers various opportunities to buy lottery tickets online legally through offshore lottery agents that cater to the U.S. Buying online lottery tickets through these lottery messenger sites is an alternative for players in states that do not allow traditional online lottery sales.
Some states do have their own Mega Millions or Powerball version of online tickets although players must reside in those states in order to purchase these tickets over the Internet. Since this option is only available in a few states so far, most players in the US opt for using lottery messenger services such as the ones listed on this page. It has turned out to be a convenient alternative for those individuals who are unable to make it to the local convenience store or another lottery retailer to purchase tickets in person.
Is It Legal To Buy Online Lottery Tickets In The United States?
Buying lottery tickets online is perfectly legal in the United States. In 2011, the DOJ released a formal opinion stating that the Federal Wire Act only applied to sports betting and did not affect other forms of online gambling, including lottery games*. This is why you've seen a few states now offering players the ability to buy their tickets online through state-regulated options. There are not any state or federal laws that prohibit American residents from purchasing lottery tickets online through licensed and regulated online lottery messenger services or agents.
*Update: The DOJ 2019 Opinion on the Federal Wire Act infringes upon how domestic lottery operations will be conducted. The new Opinion states that lottery operations in states which allow it must be localized and that information cannot cross state lines. This could affect multi-state associated lottery operations like Megamillions and the Powerball. For now, the best option is to utilize licensed offshore online lottery sites until the domestic issue is resolved.
- Legal Online Gambling in the United States 2021. Although the federal government has its own set of laws governing the legality of gambling activities, most states have their own legislation for age limits to whether having a friendly neighborhood poker game is allowed.
- Lotteries have very little in common with other forms of gambling, both in terms of player experience and legal status. While casino sites, poker rooms, and sportsbooks are operated by commercial companies under state-issued licenses, lotteries are usually run by the state itself. In many countries, the local government has taken steps to guarantee that.
How It Works
By combining global messenger services with the worldwide reach of the Internet, for a nominal fee, legal online lottery agents purchase tickets for you on your behalf. Those tickets are then scanned and the images e-mailed to you, and if you win big, these companies will even help you collect. Many of the sites offer tools which help you choose the lotteries which offer the best odds, you can filter the games by jackpot size or draw dates and you can improve your odds by joining lottery syndicates, or arrange for automatic purchasing of your favorite lottery tickets every week through a subscription service. You can learn more about these agents by accessing our online lottery site reviews.
WinTrillions is the messenger service we recommend for US players. In business since 2005, WinTrillions has been providing players a transparent and legal way to play lotteries from all over the globe from the comfort of their own home. Whether you are looking to purchase your Powerball tickets, or want to join a syndicate and play some of the biggest lottery jackpots in the world, WinTrillions is one of the better choices.
Pros
1934 – The first legal lottery in modern US history appears, not in a state, but in Puerto Rico. 1964 – The first legal lottery on the US mainland appears, in New Hampshire. 1987 – With the addition of Kansas, Montana, South Dakota and Virginia this year, half of all US states have a lottery. Report identity (ID) theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at IdentityTheft.gov or by phone at 1-877-438-4338. Report ID Theft Online to Get a Recovery Plan. If you report identity theft to the FTC online, you will receive an identity theft report and a recovery plan. Create an account on the website to: Update your recovery plan.
- All USA players accepted
- Purchase Lottery Tickets From All Over The World
- Good Customer Service
- Generous Bonuses And Rewards To Loyal Customers
- Easy Credit Card Funding
Cons
- Numerous complaints about players getting charged after they've cancelled subscription
Top USA Online Lottery Sites
| Site | Review | Bonus Offer | USA | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Read Review | 30% Off Discount | Play now |
Where Can I Buy Mega Millions Lottery Tickets Online?
Players fortunate enough to live where state-regulated online lottery services are available can typically also purchase their Mega Millions Lottery tickets there as well as tickets to the state lottery games. Other players can legally buy Mega Millions Lottery tickets online through the lottery agent you see mentioned above. With the jackpot listed as $970 Million dollars as of October 18, 2018, players don't want to skip the drawings for this game!
FAQ's About Legally Buying Lottery Tickets On The Internet
Buying lottery tickets online has become an easy and convenient solution for US players. How then, can a consumer know if a website is legit, safe, and secure? To ensure that you understand the nuances of using a reputable and legitimately licensed lottery service, a list of frequently asked questions is available below. The list answers the questions on legal issues, choosing your numbers, and purchase options.
Is Playing Online Lottery Legal In The USA?
Upon the DOJ's legal opinion concerning the Federal Wire Act, the regulation of lottery games is left up to each individual state, with no federal laws in place that prohibit players from participating in online lottery games or from visiting licensed lottery agents online for the purpose of purchasing lottery tickets or subscription services.
Currently, there are approximately 42 states which offer one or more state lottery games and/or that participate in the multi-jurisdictional lottery games such as Mega Millions and Powerball games. Several of these states, including Georgia, Illinois, and Minnesota already have a process in place that supports online ticket purchasing, while other states, including New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, and Virginia have integrated state-sanctioned online lottery subscription services.
Several states, including California, allow private lottery agents to provide online lottery subscription and lottery ticket purchasing services to players. The caveat is that you must be a resident of one of these states in order to be eligible to register for and participate in the state's official online lottery ticket services. Residents of all states can legally utilize the services of the lottery messenger agents listed on this page.
Can I Use My Favorite Numbers When I Buy My Lottery Ticket Online?
When purchasing a lottery ticket, players have the option to either use their favorite numbers or take advantage of the quick pick option. The quick pick option randomly picks numbers electronically using the same type of functionality that you see at brick and mortar lottery retailers.
What Is A Lottery Syndicate?
A lottery syndicate is where a group of people buys a lottery ticket to increase their chance of winnings. This allows them to buy even more games. More games mean more chances of winning. If the syndicate wins, the prizes are divided up evenly among the group. The syndicate is not limited to individuals, but businesses and entities as well.
What Is A Lottery Subscription Service And Are There Advantages To Using Them?
A lottery subscription service is a service that buys lottery tickets on your behalf in the state where you live. The advantage of a lottery subscription is the convenience, and the ability to manage all of your lottery games.
If I Purchase A Ticket Through A Lottery Agent, How Do I Know If I Won?
Most lottery sites will send you an email if you win. You can also signup for email and sms alerts on some sites for constant updates.
If My Ticket Is A Winner, How Do I Claim My Winnings?
For winnings below $600, winnings are typically credited to your online account. You can purchase additional tickets or withdraw your winnings. For any winnings above $600, you will receive a personal call from the lottery site to arrange payment.
Do These Sites Also Offer Scratch-off Tickets?
The sites listed on this particular page actually do not offer any sort of instant win scratch-off games. However we have another page dedicated to playing online scratchoff lottery tickets legally that will recommend some excellent places to play that are all US friendly.
Is Buying Lottery Tickets Online Safe?
The online lottery sites that we endorse are all legally licensed and regulated in their respective jurisdictions. Keep in mind these are huge companies with deep pockets that have been in business for years, so it's 100% safe to do business with these companies. They guarantee payment on winnings and will facilitate the collection process with their winners' support team dedicated to helping players claim winnings.
VIP And Rewards
Many of these sites offer a rewards program similar to what you would find in Las Vegas. The more tickets you purchase, the more rewards and special promotions will be available to you. Each website offers a little something different, so it doesn't hurt to spend a few minutes familiarizing yourself with the inner workings of their VIP program.
Biggest Lotteries
Powerball – The largest jackpot in the game's history, and the largest single prize ever on one ticket, was the $595 million mentioned above. Consistently above $60 million, and routinely over $100, the jackpot here is always one of the biggest in the world. There are 9 levels of prizes awarded in the 45-state combined lottery, and Powerball is drawn twice a week.
Mega Millions – Starting at $15 million and supported by multiple jurisdictions that cause it to grow rapidly, the US Mega Millions lottery has issued a $656 million jackpot (3 winners), a single ticket $319 million payday and a $648 million jackpot split by 2 ticket holders, with all of those wins recorded in just a 32 month period ending December 17, 2013. Fast forward to October, 2018 and the jackpot is looming at just under $1 Billion. Mega Millions is drawn twice a week.
EuroMillions – Delivering Europe's biggest lottery prizes and a guaranteed €15 million jackpot, EuroMillions began making millionaires in 2004 with a twice-a-week draw. Jackpot totals of €190 million ($256.8 million), €187 million ($252 million), €162 million ($219 million) and several over €80 million ($108 million) have already been won playing EuroMillions.
Lotteries With the Best Overall Odds
Australia Saturday Lotto – With a 6/45 structure and 6 pay levels, you have a 1 in 85 chance of winning some prize in the Australia Saturday Lotto. Currently offering a guaranteed $4 million first prize and regularly paying as much as $30 million or more, the Australian Saturday Lotto boasts some of the best odds of any lottery in the world.
La Primitiva - Spain's weekly La Primitiva is the oldest national lottery draw in the world, running since 1812. With its 6/49 structure and 6 prize levels, it is very attractive statistically. The record jackpot is €30 Million and you have a 1-in-10 chance of winning a cash prize due to the many levels of prizes awarded. La Primitiva pays out more than €1 Billion annually.
Florida Mega Money – choosing just 4 out of 44 numbers with a Mega ball, and delivering 8 levels of winning, the Florida Mega Money lottery is a smart statistical play. This makes your overall Jackpot odds just 1 in 2.98 million, one of the most favorable of any lottery in the world. You also enjoy a 1 in 12.58 chance at winning some prize.
States Participating In Multi-State Lottery Games
Powerball - Arizona (AZ), Arkansas (AR), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Connecticut (CT), Delaware (DE), District Of Columbia (DC), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Idaho (ID), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Iowa (IA), Kansas (KS), Kentucky (KY), Louisiana (LA), Maine (ME), Maryland (MD), Massachusetts (MA), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Missouri (MO), Montana (MT), Nebraska (NE), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), New Mexico (NM), New York (NY), North Carolina (NC), North Dakota (ND), Ohio (OH), Oklahoma (OK), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Rhode Island (RI), South Carolina (SC), South Dakota (SD), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Vermont (VT), Virginia (VA), Virgin Islands (VI), Washington (WA), West Virginia (WV) and Wisconsin (WI).
Mega Millions - all but 6 states
Lottery Website Resources
The following resources are helpful to lottery players and offer useful information such as winning numbers, past winner bios and more.
State lotteries operate in 45 US states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Lotteries represent one of the oldest forms of legal gambling in the US, with origins dating back to the 1700s. Legal online lottery is not as widely available but is growing in the US.
Lotteries in participating US states generally direct revenue toward state programs, organizations, and charities. In Illinois, for example, 25% of all revenue is applied to in-state schools, charities like the Special Olympics, and causes like Homelessness Prevention.
Illinois became the first US state to legally offer online purchases of lottery tickets almost a decade ago. Through state-regulated platforms and the Jackpocket lottery courier app, online lottery purchases are available in 15 states.
Which States Have Legal Online Lottery?
| State/Territory | Year Launched | Powerball | Mega Millions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 2012 | Yes | Yes |
| Georgia | 2012 | Yes | Yes |
| North Carolina | 2013 | Yes | Yes |
| Michigan | 2014 | Yes | Yes |
| New York** | 2015 | No | Yes |
| Kentucky | 2016 | Yes | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | 2018 | Yes | Yes |
| Minnesota* | 2018 | Yes | Yes |
| New Hampshire | 2018 | Yes | Yes |
| North Dakota | 2019 | Yes | Yes |
| Texas* | 2019 | Yes | Yes |
| New Jersey* | 2019 | Yes | Yes |
| Colorado* | 2020 | Yes | Yes |
| Washington DC* | 2020 | Yes | Yes |
| Oregon* | 2020 | Yes | Yes |
| Arkansas* | 2020 | Yes | Yes |
| Virginia | 2020 | Yes | Yes |
*online lottery purchases only available on the Jackpocket mobile app
**subscription service only allows purchases for Mega Millions, Cash4Life
The History Of Online Lottery In The US
The origins of the lottery in the US go back to the early 1700s, even before the US became an independent nation. According to US historians, newspaper ads from the colonial era indicate the existence of hundreds of lotteries throughout the 18th century.
Puerto Rico became the first US territory in the 20th century to introduce a lottery, doing so in 1934. New Hampshire followed in 1964 as the first US state to offer lottery.
As of 2021, 45 states, along with Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, operate lotteries in the US. Each of these states and territories offer instant win and drawing games unique to each jurisdiction.
All of these territories, apart from Puerto Rico, also participate in MegaMillions and Powerball, the two biggest national lotteries in the US. These multi-state games can see grand prizes go over the $1 billion mark.
Wire Act Opinion And Online Lottery
In 2011, the US Department of Justice issued an opinion on the federal Wire Act that paved the way for individual states to offer online lottery sales. The 1961 Wire Act outlawed electronic transactions related to gambling, but the 2011 opinion ruled that the language in the Wire Act only applied to sports betting.
Illinois became the first US state to offer online lottery sales, with the Illinois Lottery implementing the program in March 2012. As of 2021, seven US offer legal online lotteries.
These states offer online purchases to in-state instant win, drawing, and other games, as well as the national lotteries such as MegaMillions and PowerBall. Online lottery is one of the most common forms of online gambling in the US.
What Bonuses Do Online Lotteries Offer To Players?
Deposit Match Bonuses
Deposit match bonuses allow players to earn bonus money matching a percentage of a player deposit. This kind of bonus is one of the most commonly offered promotions across legal online gambling sites.
The Pennsylvania iLottery, for example, offers a 50% match bonus for first-time depositors, up to $50. With this offer, new players can earn up to $50 in bonus money.
For instance, to earn the full $50 bonus, a new player would have to deposit at least $100. This bonus comes with a 5x playthrough requirement, meaning five times the original deposit must be wagered to earn the full bonus.
Deposit match bonuses don’t always just apply to new players making their first deposit at an online lottery site. The Pennsylvania iLottery also offers the same 50% match bonus, up to $50, for a second deposit made on the platform.
This second deposit match bonus offer carries the same 5x playthrough stipulation, which must be fulfilled within 45 days of the deposit.
How To Purchase Lottery Tickets Online
State Lottery iOS And Android Apps
Most legal online lottery platforms offer mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices.
Android apps must be downloaded directly from a state lottery website. This is because the Google Play store doesn’t allow for downloads of real-money gambling apps. For iOS users, these apps can be found in the App Store.
Jackpocket App
The Jackpocket mobile app legally offers online lottery purchases in several states that don’t have a dedicated online lottery platform.
Jackpocket can be downloaded for both Android and iOS devices. Android users can find the download link at the Jackpocket website.
Desktop
Online lottery tickets can also be purchased directly from a state lottery website, using virtually any desktop browser.
Purchasing Tickets And Redeeming Prizes
Purchases for in-state instant win and drawing games, as well as Powerball and MegaMillions, are just a click away on legal online lottery apps.
Winning tickets are automatically redeemed, with the cash prizes from those tickets available for withdrawal through several methods.
Use our random Lottery Numbers Generator to choose your lottery tickets and to purchase tickets online.
Depositing And Withdrawing
ACH/eCheck, PayPal, debit cards, credit cards, and PayNearMe are some of the methods offered for depositing at legal online lottery sites.
ACH/eCheck and PayPal can be used for withdrawals as well.
How To Play Mega Millions Online
All states offering online lottery through state-regulated platforms and the Jackpocket mobile app allow for ticket purchases to MegaMillions.
MegaMillions and Powerball are the two biggest multi-state lotteries operating in the US. MegaMillions offers purchases in 45 states, Washington DC and the US Virgin Islands.
The MegaMillions drawing game happens twice every week, and carries a grand prize that can sometimes reach over $1 billion. The biggest MegaMillions jackpot ever saw $1.537 billion paid out to the winner.
Winning MegaMillions tickets purchased through state online platforms are automatically redeemed after the drawing, with the winnings paid to the player’s account balance. Those funds can then be withdrawn via ACH/eCheck, PayPal, and various other methods.
The Jackpocket app automatically redeems and pays out winnings of $600 or less. For bigger prizes, Jackpot arranges for the secure delivery of the winning ticket.
How To Play Powerball Online
Much like MegaMillions, Powerball tickets can be found on the menu in all states offering legal online lottery purchases. Powerball is offered in 45 US states, Washington DC, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Powerball operates as one of two major national lotteries in the US. Like MegaMillions, Powerball drawings are conducted twice weekly, with massive potential payouts on the line.
The biggest lottery jackpot in US history saw $1.586 billion paid out to a Powerball winner in 2016.
Powerball tickets purchased online are automatically redeemed in the case of a win.
The Jackpocket app automatically redeems wins of $600 or less. Wins of more than $600 result in Jackpot securely delivering the winning ticket to the winner.
What Are Instant Win Lottery Games?
Instant win lottery games represent some of the oldest forms of legal gambling in the US. Even the lotteries from the 18th century uncovered by US historians featured forms of instant win games.
The most familiar instant win lottery format comes in the form of scratch-off tickets. Physical instant win scratch-off tickets feature various payouts, and the frequency and amount of these payouts depend on the game.
Online versions of instant-win games work the same way. Many of the instant win games found at retail lottery outlets are also available on official state lottery platforms.
Pennsylvania Instant Win Games
The PA iLottery platform offers more than 50 different instant win games. Plenty of opportunities for big instant payouts await.
The Pennsylvania Keystone Cash instant win game, for example, features a maximum grand prize of $300,000.
Michigan Instant Win Games
The Michigan Lottery offers nearly 100 different instant win games for online purchase. Games like Instant Keno Multiplier and Bullseye Keno carry grand prizes of $500,000.
Is It Safe To Buy Lottery Tickets Online?
State-regulated online lottery platforms offer the chance to purchase online lottery tickets legitimately and legally. Secure purchases for in-state instant win and drawing games, as well as multi-state games like Mega Millions and Powerball, are available at official state lottery online platforms.
Purchasing lottery tickets on these platforms assures the same level of safety as purchasing official state lottery tickets from an approved retail outlet. Players who purchase lottery tickets on state-regulated online lottery platforms can count on prompt and secure payouts on winning tickets.
Is It Safe To Buy Lottery Tickets On Jackpocket?
Jackpocket functions as a third-party online courier for lottery tickets. The Jackpocket app offers purchases for in-state drawing games, as well as national lotteries like Powerball and MegaMillions.
The Jackpocket app operates in eight states. In each of those states is approved and licensed for operation by state lawmakers.
As an officially licensed partner of state and national lotteries, the Jackpocket offers secure purchase and payouts for in-state and national lottery games.
Legal Versus Illegal Online Lottery Sites
Aside from the eight states in which Jackpocket legally operates, the only legal way to purchase lottery tickets online is through official state lottery platforms.
Illinois, Michigan, Georgia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, North Dakota, North Carolina, and New Hampshire are currently the only states in which an official state-regulated online lottery platform operates. Any other outlet offering online lottery ticket sales is doing so illegally.
Online lottery purchases for in-state games must be done within state borders at the time of purchase. Any platform offering tickets to out-of-state lottery games (aside from approved national lotteries) is illegal.
Playing on any kind of illegal online gambling site presents a risky proposition. Player funds are not secured by official gaming regulatory bodies, and depositing at an illegal gambling site doesn’t guarantee that the money can later be withdrawn.
Online Lottery FAQ
Yes. Seven states offer official, legal online lottery platforms. These states include Illinois, Michigan, Georgia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire.
States with official, state-regulated online lottery outlets offer purchase of tickets for in-state drawing and instant win games, as well as multi-state lotteries like MegaMillions and Powerball.
Jackpocket, a legal mobile lottery courier, also offers online lottery purchases in Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Texas, and Washington DC.
Individual states operate and regulate the lottery in their respective jurisdictions. A total of 45 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands operate individual lotteries.
Multi-state lotteries like Mega Millions and Powerball are regulated as joint efforts among participating states.
The minimum age for purchasing lottery tickets, both retail and online, is 18.
Legal online lottery platforms require proof of identity, age, and location to purchase tickets.
Lottery ticket courier services operate as legal, licensed partners to state and national lotteries. Platforms like the Jackpocket app essentially purchase lottery tickets on the player’s behalf.
Jackpocket functions much like the official online lottery platforms offered in some states. Players can deposit funds, purchase tickets, and withdraw winning directly from the Jackpocket app.
How To Buy Lottery Online In Usa
Winnings of up to $600 are automatically applied to a player’s balance on Jackpocket. Winnings of more than $600 will result in Jackpocket arranging for secure delivery of the physical winning ticket to the player.
Jackpocket operates legally in Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Texas, and Washington DC. Online lottery purchases made through Jackpocket in these states are as secure as purchasing at an official retail or online state lottery outlet.
Online Lottery Usa Legal Advice
The biggest prizes available in online lottery instant win games can reach into the six-figure territory or higher.
A pair of online instant win games offered by the Michigan Lottery carry $500,000 grand prizes. These games include Instant Keno Multiplier and Bullseye Keno, both of which function as instant-win drawing games.
The PA iLottery offers the Pennsylvania Keystone Cash instant win game, with a grand prize of $300,000.
Yes. Non-US residents can purchase lottery tickets and win prizes in US-bases lotteries. Players must be 18 or over and have purchased a winning ticket inside the US to be eligible to win.
Purchasing a US-based lottery ticket without being located inside US borders is illegal.
What States Sell Lottery Online
Federal law dictates that US citizens cannot legally participate in lotteries outside the US through the mail, internet, or phone.
Usa Lotto Online
The only way to legally purchase an international lottery ticket is by visiting a foreign country and making an in-person purchase. Winnings on international lottery ticket purchases are subject to taxation in both the issuing country and the US.