Did you know that you can play the lottery online?
Online lottery tickets are becoming more widely available by the day, giving millions of people the chance to play and potentially win big via their computer or mobile device. While not yet legal in all states, 45 US states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands currently operate lotteries, and several are available from your computer or phone.
Play the Online Lottery
You can play the online lottery in your location (Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, D.C., Georgia, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, and West Virginia) with the signup bonuses offered by the best online lottery sites below. While you don’t have access to online lottery apps like Jackpocket or Jackpot, you can play scratch-offs for cash prizes at social and sweepstakes casinos below.
Gambling is for entertainment purposes only. Stay safe and ensure success when you gamble responsibly. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for confidential support. Visit SAMHSA’s National Helpline website for resources that include a treatment center locator, anonymous chat, and more.
Full List of Online Lottery States
You can buy draw tickets online in the following states, whether directly, by subscription, or by using a courier app. In some, you can also play instant lottery games online.
| State/Territory | Online Lottery? |
|---|---|
| Alabama | ❌ No |
| Alaska | ✅ Yes, via Lotto Alaska (not state-run) |
| Arizona | ✅ Yes, via Jackpocket app |
| Arkansas | ✅ Yes, via Jackpocket app |
| California | ❌ No |
| Colorado | ✅ Yes, via Jackpocket Lottery app and Jackpocket app |
| Connecticut | ❌ No |
| D.C. | ✅ Yes, via Jackpocket app & DC iLottery website |
| Delaware | ❌ No |
| Florida | ❌ No |
| Georgia | ✅ Yes, on GA Lottery website |
| Hawaii | ❌ No |
| Idaho | ✅ Yes, via Jackpocket app |
| Illinois Online Lottery | ✅ Yes, via IL Lottery website |
| Indiana Online Lottery | ❌ No |
| Iowa Online Lottery | ❌ No |
| Kansas Online Lottery | ❌ No |
| Kentucky | ✅ Yes, on KY Lottery website |
| Louisiana | ❌ No |
| Maine | ✅ Yes, via ME Lottery website (subscriptions only) |
| Maryland | ✅ Yes, via MD Lottery website (subscriptions only) |
| Massachusetts | ✅ Yes, via Jackpot Lottery app and Jackpocket app |
| Michigan | ✅ Yes, via MI Online Lottery |
| Minnesota | ✅ Yes, via theLotter and Jackpocket app |
| Mississippi | ❌ No |
| Missouri | ❌ No |
| Montana | ✅ Yes, via Jackpocket app |
| Nebraska | ✅ Yes, via Jackpocket app |
| Nevada | ❌ No |
| New Hampshire | ✅ Yes, via Jackpocket app & NH iLottery website |
| New Jersey | ✅ Yes, via Jackpot Lottery app, Jackpocket app, and theLotter |
| New Mexico | ✅ Yes, via Jackpocket app |
| New York | ✅ Yes, via Jackpot Lottery app, Jackpocket app, theLotter, & NY Lottery website (subscriptions only) |
| North Carolina | ✅ Yes, via NC Lottery website |
| North Dakota | ✅ Yes, via ND Lottery website |
| Ohio | ✅ Yes, via Jackpot Lottery app and Jackpocket app |
| Oklahoma | ❌ No |
| Oregon | ✅ Yes, via theLotter and Jackpocket app |
| Pennsylvania | ✅ Yes, via PA Online Lottery |
| Puerto Rico | ✅ Yes, via Jackpocket app |
| Rhode Island | ✅ Yes, via RI Lottery website |
| South Carolina | ❌ No |
| South Dakota | ❌ No |
| Tennessee | ❌ No |
| Texas | ✅ Yes, via Jackpot Lottery app, theLotter, and Jackpocket app |
| Utah | ❌ No |
| Vermont | ❌ No |
| Virginia | ✅ Yes, via VA Online Lottery |
| Washington state | ❌ No |
| West Virginia | ✅ Yes, via Jackpocket app |
| Wisconsin | ❌ No |
| Wyoming | ❌ No |
Billion-Dollar Lottery Jackpots as of December 2024
| Date | Value | Lottery | Winners' States |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/06/2024 | $1.32B+ | Powerball | OR |
| 03/27/2024 | $1.13B+ | Mega Millions | NJ |
| 10/11/2023 | $1.76B+ | Powerball | CA |
| 08/09/2023 | $1.58B | Mega Millions | FL |
| 07/19/2023 | $1.08B+ | Powerball | CA |
| 01/13/2023 | $1.35B | Mega Millions | ME |
| 11/07/2022 | $2.04B | Powerball | CA |
| 07/29/2022 | $1.34B | Mega Millions | IL |
| 01/22/2021 | $1.05B | Mega Millions | MI |
| 11/23/2018 | $1.54B | Mega Millions | SC |
| 01/13/2016 | $1.59B | Powerball | CA, FL, TN |
How To Play Mega Millions and Powerball Online
Playing Mega Millions Online
All states offer online lottery through state-regulated platforms, and the Jackpot and Jackpocket mobile apps allow for ticket Mega Millions ticket purchases.
Mega Millions 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.
Playing 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 $2.04 billion paid out to a Powerball winner in 2022.
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.
About the US Lottery
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 a lottery. As of 2024, 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.
When Did the Online Lottery Start?
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. Since then, several online lotteries have launched, including apps like Jackpocket that service several states on one platform. Now, a large number of states allow patrons to play online lottery games.
Where Does the Money Go?
When you play the lottery online, most of the revenue goes towards supporting state programs, organizations, and charities. For instance, in Illinois, 25% of all lottery revenue is directed towards in-state schools, charities like the Special Olympics, and causes like Homelessness Prevention.
Online Lottery Promotions and Bonuses
No Deposit Signup Bonus
A player favorite for obvious reasons, an online lottery no deposit bonus gives players free chances to win when they sign up. To claim, all that’s required is that you create and verify a new account. For example, the PA iLottery offers a $20 no deposit bonus. Terms and conditions apply, but this is definitely one of our favorite deals and can be found at some of the best online lottery sites.
Deposit Match Bonus
The most common among the state-run online lotteries, a deposit match bonus invites players to get extra money on deposit. For example, a 100% deposit-match bonus up to $100 means you can deposit up to $100, and the lottery will match the amount 100%, essentially doubling the money in your account. However, you must play the deposit and bonus amount before you can cash out.
Free Lottery Tickets
The most common promotion from multi-state apps is free lottery tickets, which are exactly what they sound like. In some cases, players need to make a deposit to get free tickets, but sometimes, you get free tickets just for creating an account.
Free Instant Games
Many online lottery sites allow players to play games directly on the site, such as keno and scratch-offs. These games are often tied to promotions, such as 50 free instant keno games when you sign up at the Michigan Online Lottery or the 20 free games on Vegas Cash Drop from the Virginia Lottery.
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 Jackpot.com, theLotter, and Jackpocket?
Yes. Jackpot Lottery, theLotter, and Jackpocket function as third-party online couriers for lottery tickets. All of these apps offer purchases for in-state drawing games and national lotteries like Powerball and MegaMillions.
The Jackpot Lottery app operates in AK, MA, NJ, NY, OH, and TX, while theLotter operates in MN, NJ, NY, OR & TX. The Jackpocket app operates in more than a dozen states. Each of those states is approved and licensed for operation by state lawmakers.
As officially licensed partners of state and national lotteries, Jackpot Lottery, theLotter, and Jackpocket offer secure purchases and payouts for in-state and national lottery games.
Legal Online Lottery Ticket Sites Versus Illegal Courier
Aside from the states in which Jackpot Lottery, TheLotter, and Jackpocket legally operate, the only legal way to purchase lottery tickets online is through official state lottery platforms.
Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington DC 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.
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Online Lottery FAQ
Yes. You can buy lottery tickets online. In several states, an online lottery is offered, either by the state lottery directly or by Jackpocket, an online lottery app available in a handful of US states.
Yes. Several states offer official, legal online lottery platforms, including Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Dakota, Kentucky, North Carolina, 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 Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, West Virginia, and Washington D.C.
Individual states operate and regulate the lottery in their respective jurisdictions. A total of 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands all operate individual lotteries.
Multi-state lotteries like Mega Millions and Powerball are regulated as joint efforts among participating states.
18 or older. 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.
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 Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, West Virginia, and Washington D.C. Online lottery purchases made through Jackpocket in these states are as secure as purchasing at an official retail or online state lottery outlet.
The biggest prizes available in online lottery instant win games can reach into the six-figure territory or higher. An online instant win game offered by the Michigan Lottery, Bullseye Keno, carries a $500,000 grand prize. 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-based 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.
Federal law dictates that US citizens cannot legally participate in lotteries outside the US through the mail, internet, or phone.
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.
Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. offer the ability to buy Mega Millions tickets online. In addition, New York offers the opportunity to purchase subscriptions for Mega Millions online.
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