Back in late 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice had to decide whether US online lottery sites contravened the Federal Wire Act. They concluded that the act only applied to sports betting. This meant that individual states could operate lotteries online.
The growth of US online lotteries has not been as rapid as the proliferation of online sports betting in the wake of the PASPA reversal. However, several states now legally offer a variety of lottery games online.
Best US Online Lottery Sites
The Michigan Lottery launched its online platform back in 2014. This website features a variety of games like Keno and instant win games too. Other major lotteries offered on their site include Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto 47, and Fantasy 5.
Pennsylvania Lottery made its first lottery games available online on May 29, 2018. The site offers a variety of online lottery games including Keno, virtual sports, and instant-win games. Pennsylvanians can also participate in major lotteries such as Powerball and Mega Millions.
The Virginia Lottery joined the digital arena, making its inaugural foray into online gaming. Beginning its online operations on 2020, it opened doors to a plethora of online lottery games, including engaging options like Keno, virtual sports, and instant-win games. Virginians now have the convenience of participating in major lotteries such as Powerball and Mega Millions from the comfort of their homes, adding a new dimension to their gaming experience.
US Online Lottery Games Selection
Lotteries have been around for over 2,000 years. Governments have traditionally operated lotteries to help fund various projects including education and infrastructure. Many historians believe that the Chinese used the lottery to help finance the construction of the Great Wall of China.
When we think about the lottery, we tend to think about selecting a few numbers and hoping that they are picked in a random draw. While that’s a fairly accurate assessment, there are other games available to play. Here are the three main types of US online lottery games.
Keno
Keno is one of the oldest lottery games on the planet. With this game, players select between one and 20 numbers ranging between one and 80. Then there is a draw in which 20 numbered balls are randomly selected.
While payouts may vary depending on the operator, the amount you stand to win depends on how many numbers you wagered on and how many of those numbers were drawn. As a point of interest, the odds of nailing all 20 numbers correctly are 1 in 3,535,316,142,212,174,320. One of the biggest differences between Keno and other draw games like 6/49 is that most US online lottery sites hold Keno draws every few minutes.
Draw Games
Draw games are what most people think of when they discuss the lottery. They typically have a variety of prize levels as well as progressive jackpots which continue to grow until they are won.
To play a draw game, you can either pick your own numbers or have them randomly generated. The lottery operator will then hold a draw. The more numbers you match, the bigger the prize. While the odds certainly are not in the player’s favor, winning a jackpot will almost always result in a multi-million dollar cash prize. That’s what gives US online lottery draw games such massive appeal.
Scratch Off Games
Scratch off games are perhaps the most popular instant win games at US online lottery sites. With these games, you get a ticket that usually has a latex-like substance covering the playing surface. You scratch off the playing area to find out if you’ve won a prize. Well, online scratchers are exactly the same, but they don’t create such a mess because you’re scratching them on a screen.
Scratchers generally have several levels of prizes often ranging from a free ticket to a cash prize worth thousands of dollars or more.
How Can I Play Lottery Games?
Playing lottery games is simple. For draw games, it’s usually just a matter of picking your lucky numbers and hoping that those numbers are drawn. Instant win games typically require you to scratch the playing surface to reveal your potential prize. You’ll find that most sites have tutorials and instructions for each game on offer.
How Do I Collect My Winnings?
In most cases, winnings go directly into your account. However, those who win larger amounts may have to claim their prize at the lottery operator’s headquarters.
Of course, some lottery winners would like to stay anonymous. However, that is not always an option as various jurisdictions have different policies when it comes to this matter. Check the official state lottery website for more information on specifics related to collecting winnings, as they may differ from one state to another.
More Facts about US Online Lotteries
In the beginning, when the online lottery platforms were first launched, they featured only a few types of games. Now that number is much bigger, and it continues to grow constantly because the principal aim of the online lottery operators is to keep their clients satisfied.
Many online lottery platforms offer enticing bonuses for new customers. The bonuses can also be an important factor while you are choosing your favorite site. Make sure to check all the current offers on the market and then choose the one that suits your gaming style best.
FAQ
Not always. Most states with online lotteries have mobile platforms that merely require a mobile browser.
Winners are usually given a choice of taking a single lump-sum payment or collecting their winnings in installments.
It depends on where you live. While most states tax lottery winnings, a few don’t. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the tax laws in your state.
The largest Powerball jackpot reached a whopping $1.586 billion in 2016. In 2018, a Mega Millions jackpot was worth $1.537 billion.
No. Some of the states that do not have lotteries are Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Utah, and Nevada.
To play the lottery online, the best lotteries are the Pennsylvania Lottery and Michigan Lottery.
