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While the lottery is nothing new in the United States, online lottery games are still relatively new.

Only a select few states provide online lottery gaming, making it easy for players to go online and purchase a lottery ticket.

Buying lottery tickets online is easy if you know which states offer the services.

Such games as Mega Millions and Powerball can be played online with a click of a button in states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.

At BestOdds, we have researched the online lottery market in the United States, so our readers have every detail needed to play popular games.

Read on to see the pros and cons of online lottery games, how to sign up for access to tickets, and app information.

Pros & Cons A Of Playing At Online Lotteries

Pros:

• Lottery games can be played online for easy access.
• Mega Millions and Powerball are among the available options.
• Ticket prices are just as affordable as they are in retail outlets.
• Secure banking methods are used online for ticket sales.
• Wins are paid out just as they would be with traditional ticket purchases.

Cons:

• Only a handful of states offer online lottery gaming.
• Players may have to cross state lines to purchase a ticket online.
• Geolocation can be an issue when purchasing tickets online close to state lines.
• Some states offer fewer games than others.
• Players located far from states with iLottery will be unable to purchase tickets.

Would We Play At Online Lotteries?

Yes, if we were located near or in a state that offers online lottery games.

Online ticket sales are far more convenient than traveling to a retailer. Players can log on at any time to purchase a lottery ticket, saving travel time and gas.

Hopefully, more states will start offering online lottery gaming in the future so that more players can access this option.

Can I Play at Online Lottery In Different States?

Of course. Several states currently allow online ticket sales for lottery gaming.

Each state that does provide iLottery will offer varying games and have certain rules in place.

It is recommended that players review the rules of each state and game types on offer before purchasing tickets.

States with Online Lottery Gaming Include:

• Arkansas: Lottery games on offer via Jackpocket.
• California: Utilizes Jackpocket services.
• Colorado: Offers online lottery sales with Jackpocket.
• Connecticut: The state lottery has the authority to launch online lottery games but, as of 2022, has yet to do so.
• Georgia: The state-approved online lottery ticket sales in 2012. Players have access to Mega Millions, Powerball, Fantasy 5, and keno and scratch cards.
• Florida: Residents can purchase tickets online with Jackpocket.
• Illinois: Offering services since 2012, the state provides access to Lotto, Mega Millions, and Powerball. Players can choose individual ticket purchases or subscriptions.
• Kentucky: Online ticket sales started in 2016 with KY Cash Ball, Lucky for Life, Mega Millions, Powerball, and scratch cards up for grabs.
• Maine: Uses Jackpocket for online ticket sales.
• Maryland: Players must use Jackpocket for gaming online.
• Michigan: Online sales began in 2014, and over 50 games are now offered in the state. Lotto 47, Fantasy 5, Mega Millions, and Powerball are top picks among players.
• Minnesota: The state uses Jackpocket for online ticket sales.
• New Hampshire: The state began offering online tickets in 2018 and provides Mega Millions and Powerball tickets in batches of up to 100 tickets or single options.
• New Jersey: Players in the state can access online tickets via Jackpocket.
• New York: Jackpocket offers online ticket sales.
• North Carolina: The NCLottery site offers players access to Lucky for Life games, Carolina Cash 5, Mega Millions, and Powerball.
• North Dakota: Online sales and mobile options via Pick & Click services are on offer here. Lotto America, Mega Millions, and Powerball are among the games on offer.
• Ohio: Players can purchase tickets online with Jackpocket.
• Oregon: Only Jackpocket can be used for online tickets.
• Pennsylvania: Online lottery gaming started in the state in 2018, with several online games provided. Players can access scratch cards with instant prizes in the six-figure range.
• Rhode Island: Players 18 or older in the state can access online instant win games and keno. Lottery games are also on offer with the ability for players to check results and manage payments online.
• Texas: Players in the state must use Jackpocket for online ticket purchases.
• Virginia: Online lottery ticket sales started here in mid-2020. The site offers instant win games and draw games.
• Washington D.C.: Starting in February 2021, the capital city began offering instant win games, Powerball, and Mega Millions tickets.

How To Sign Up For Online Lottery

Signing up for an online lottery account is pretty basic.

It takes only a few minutes to complete the registration process, and once you have deposited funds, you are ready to play games.

Check out our step-by-step guide below on the signup process. Keep in mind that the actual process may vary from state to state.

• Use one of our links to locate the online lottery site in your selected state.
• Click register and begin filling out your personal information.
• Add your email and create a password.
• Enter your name, address, last four digits of your social security number, and mobile telephone number.
• Agree to terms and conditions.
• Once the process is completed, you should be logged in or asked to log in.
• After you are logged in, deposit funds, and you are ready to purchase lottery tickets.

Online Lottery Apps

Select states in the US offer apps for online lottery gaming, making the ticket purchasing process much simpler.

With an app, players can log in and purchase a ticket in seconds. Apps offer updated information such as drawings, account balance, and ticket wins.

Players can access apps on both iOS and Android devices.

Pros & Cons Of Online Lottery Apps

Pros:

• Purchase a ticket from anywhere inside state lines where online sales are allowed.
• Check the status of a drawing or add funds for lottery gaming.
• Withdraw wins from lottery games.
• Take advantage of any special promotions or games offered via mobile.
• Play whenever you like without having to visit a retail store.

Cons:

• Only a few operators offer an app for lottery gaming.
• Some apps may only work on Android or iOS devices
• Geolocation issues may come into play and delay ticket purchases.
• An internet connection is required, so rural areas may have issues purchasing tickets.
• Some apps only offer select games.

State Operator Lottery App

Because online lottery gaming is not widespread, only a few states offer lottery apps.

We have found a select group of states that include iOS and Android apps for seamless ticket purchases. Check out the options below.

Michigan iLottery

In the Wolverine State, players have access to an iOS and Android app with solid reviews online. Thousands of downloads and the top rating prove that players in Michigan prefer the mobile app.

Players can play games for cash prizes, check winning numbers and jackpots, and scan tickets for results.

Pennsylvania iLottery

The app in Pennsylvania is not as highly rated as the one in Michigan; unfortunately, it does offer a convenient way to purchase lottery tickets. Players can use the app on any device to play draw games and online lottery games.

Virginia iLottery

With the lottery app in Virginia, players can enjoy instant games, check the latest jackpot prizes, review winning numbers, and enter eXTRA Chances from any mobile device.

The app offers a digital playslip for online gaming and information on nearby lottery retailers.

Ontario iLottery

While Ontario is located in Canada and not the US, we have added the area to our list of online lottery apps due to its proximity to the states.

Players in Ontario can access the lottery via the OLG app. There are plenty of online gaming options, including the Daily Grand, Daily Keno, Lotto Max, Lotto 6/49, and much more.

Popular Games You Can Play On Lottery Apps

When it comes to online lottery apps, there are plenty of unique games to choose from.

Each state offers varying games, and you may find that one offers more than another. Review the most common online lottery game types below with a description of what you can expect within each category.

Instant Games: This game type produces a win instantly. Players do not have to wait for a drawing to take place. Simply play the game and see if you are a winner!

Scratch-Offs: Players can access an online game similar to a traditional scratch-off lottery ticket with a scratch-off gaming option. Use your mouse or finger to scratch off areas of the game board to see if you land a match to earn a win.

Keno: Online keno games are quick options, too, offering big prizes for number matches. Open a keno game and select a set of numbers based on the game type. The drawing takes place immediately, and if you match enough numbers, you win!

Draw Games: This is a more traditional lottery option where there is a drawing to determine the winner. Typically, this type of game would be played at a retailer, but online operators also offer options via apps and web browsers.

Fast Play: With this lottery game, the jackpot will grow at a pre-determined rate based on each ticket sold. The jackpot grows continually until a player earns the win.

Powerball: This is one of the more popular lottery games in both online and retail play. Select five main numbers from 1-69 and a single Powerball number from 1-26. If you land the correct match, you win!

Mega Millions: Another top lottery game, Mega Millions requires players to pick five main numbers from 1-70 and a Mega Ball from 1-25 for each line. The game is played the same online as it is in retail outlets.

Second Chance: This game is set aside for players who play the lottery and lose. A non-winning ticket can be submitted in a second-chance lottery game for a chance to win after a loss.

How To Fund Your Lottery Account

Adding or withdrawing funds from an online lottery account is relatively easy.

Operators offer top-rated banking methods, so even new players can complete transactions with zero issues.

While every operator is different, the process of depositing funds should be relatively the same. Follow the steps below to add funds to play online lottery games.

• Create an online account with an available online lottery retailer in the US.
• Log in to your account once the registration process is complete.
• Click on the account information and select the deposit option in the cashier area.
• Choose a payment method and enter the amount you wish to add to your account.
• Follow the directions provided by the operator to complete the transaction.
• Most methods should add funds instantly.
• Once the funds are in your account, you can begin playing online lottery games.

Online Lotteries Payment Process

Whether depositing or withdrawing funds, online lottery operators offer several banking methods to choose from.

Players should easily be able to find an option that works for them. Be sure to review payment methods based on your state once an account is created to know the full options in your area.

Review common banking methods offered by US online lottery providers below.

Deposit Methods:

• Online banking
• Bank transfer (ACH)
• Online Game Card
• PayPal
• Credit/Debit Card

Withdrawal Methods:

• Bank Transfer (ACH)
• Check by Mail
• Online Banking
• PayPal
• Retailer Payment

How Do Online Lottery Signup Offers Work?

Online lottery providers offer signup deals for new members that create an account online or via an app.

There are common types that most providers offer as a way to entice new players to sign up. From welcome deals to daily spin-to-win options, there is much to explore as a newbie.

Check out a few of the most common lottery signup offers you will come across below.

Welcome Bonus

Welcome deals are some of the most common offers players will come across at online lottery sites. Such deals may include a deposit match or free games.

The deal will vary based on the retailer but always provides some type of incentive for new players. An example can be seen in Michigan with its welcome deal.

The state offers new players a 50% match on the first deposits of $10 to $200 or players can choose to make a single deposit or purchase of $25 to earn 25 free games on Magic Winnings.

First Deposit Match

With a first deposit match, the online lottery provider gives the new player a bonus for depositing.

This is usually a 50-100% match based on the deposit amount. The extra cash gives you even more funds to play with at the site.

Daily Spin To Win

This option is a fun daily spin game that offers players prizes based on the retailer.

Players may be able to win online free play or entries into cash giveaways. The spin-to-win game is offered at no cost each day you sign in.

WebCash Bonus

Select state lotteries, such as Pennsylvania, offer players a chance to deposit for gaming with WebCash. A bonus is provided if you use this deposit option in the state.

The bonus type depends on the amount of the deposit. Lower deposit amounts earn a bonus plus scratch-off, while higher amounts offer larger rewards.