Online lottery is a new way for players to buy tickets and play lottery games. It offers a range of benefits, including convenience, security and the ability to win huge prizes from the comfort of your home. However, it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you start playing.
Legal Issues
Online lotteries are legal in the United States, as long as you’re 18 years old and a resident of that state. The federal Wire Act had previously outlawed cross-state lottery sales, but that opinion was reversed in 2011.
Scams & Fraudulent Sites
Legitimate online lotteries are licensed by a government gaming authority and are protected by SSL encryption software. This means your personal information is safe from fraudsters and hackers. Scam sites, on the other hand, are out to make a quick buck and don’t care about your privacy or security.
Payment Options
The most popular payment methods for online lottery tickets include Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Some sites also accept Bitcoin transactions, making it even easier for players to deposit and withdraw funds.
Bonuses & Promotions
The best lottery websites offer a wide variety of bonuses and promotions to keep players happy. These include free ticket giveaways, cashback deals, and eXTRA Chance, which gives players extra chances to win big.
In addition, some lotteries offer subscription services that allow players to buy tickets into a number of drawings over time. These subscriptions can be very lucrative, and can increase your winnings exponentially if you’re lucky enough to win!
Geolocation Tracking & Winnings
Most applications and websites use geolocation to identify your location. This helps them ensure you’re a legitimate player, and won’t be scammed by unauthorized operators.
Buying tickets from an agent
Some online lottery agents buy tickets on your behalf, and then scan them to upload to their database. This is a great way to save money, but it’s important to check the agent’s handling fee before you sign up.
If you’re worried about losing your ticket, many online lottery platforms have secure ticket storage systems. These stores store your tickets in a separate section of the website where they’re protected from unauthorized access and are easy to find should you ever need to claim your prize.
Instant Games & Scratchers
Some states offer instant games that you can play online. Virginia, for example, has a collection of online instant games from NeoPollard Interactive. This company also supplies online instant games for the Rhode Island and Kentucky lotteries.
Pennsylvania has an app that lets you play and win from the convenience of your mobile phone or tablet. This app has a large game lobby with a range of instant win games, as well as a Keno section. The games have a range of top prizes, including a $100,000 jackpot.
Online Lottery in the US
The United States has a relatively short history with online lotteries, and only seven states have authorised them so far. However, as legislation is clarified, more states are likely to follow suit in the future.