Many states are now legalizing online lottery games. New Hampshire, for example, legalized online lotteries last summer. This has allowed for online lottery players to play from their smartphones, tablets, and desktops. Other states, including Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, are in the process of regulating online lotteries.
The growth of the online lottery industry is projected to be fueled by the rapid digitalization of the world’s population. In 2017, approximately 49% of the global population had access to the internet, up from 41.7% in 2015. Another contributing factor is the growing use of mobile phones; today, 8 out of 10 people in developing countries own a mobile phone, a number that is expected to rise steadily.
While online lottery sites may offer many conveniences, some add hidden fees. Licensed lottery sites, on the other hand, are completely legal and secure. While many scam sites are out to make a quick buck, the legitimate sites are dedicated to ensuring their players’ safety. These sites will display a trust logo and SSL encryption on their sites.
Some online lottery sites also offer subscription services that allow customers to buy tickets for every drawing. Subscriptions range in price depending on the number of drawings. Using a subscription service for online lottery games can be a convenient and safe option. Most official state-sponsored lottery websites will charge the same price for tickets as they would if you purchased them in person. So, while it’s not possible to buy all the tickets you want at once, online lottery sites are still a convenient option for many people.
Online lottery sites that operate in multiple states may offer a wide variety of payment options. Some sites allow you to make deposits through ACH/eCheck, while others require payment using PayPal. The MegaMillions lottery, for example, is multi-state and available in 44 states, Washington DC, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Some states have shied away from online lottery sales because they’re unsure about their legality. The Wire Act bans interstate transmission of wire communications, and states were worried about online lottery sales. Although the Wire Act only restricts sports betting, it has been interpreted to include online lottery sales. As a result, New York and Illinois sought a legal opinion on online lottery sales. But the Justice Department ruled against interstate lottery sales.
The legal landscape for online lottery games has evolved dramatically over the past few years. In the United States, the Department of Justice (DOJ) opinion was revised, allowing states to regulate online gambling. This decision allowed New Hampshire to start selling online lottery tickets. A recent court ruling in New Hampshire’s favor means that other states will be able to follow suit and regulate online lottery games.
Pennsylvania also launched an online lottery platform on May 29, 2018. It offers a variety of lottery games, from instant-win games to virtual sports. In addition, it offers major lotteries, such as the Mega Millions, Powerball, Lotto 47, and Fantasy 5.