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Can you play the lottery online?
A lottery is a type of game where players buy numbered tickets, and prizes are given to the holders of numbers drawn at random. Lotteries are considered to be games of chance, and are therefore treated differently to real money online casinos.
There are two ways to play the online lottery in the U.S. In regions where online lottery games are supported directly by the state lottery, you can use the authority's dedicated platform. Through a website or mobile app, you can buy tickets and play games like keno safely from anywhere in the state you have a connection.
The alternative is to use a lottery courier. A lottery courier will buy tickets from a licensed lottery retailer for you, allowing you to manage how much you want to spend and what numbers you want to pick. You will receive any winnings online. Lottery couriers receive licensing and approval from the states before operating, so you know these sites are safe and secure.
Where can I buy online lottery tickets?
While some states allow you to purchase tickets directly through an official lottery platform, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular U.S. lottery betting sites and courier service options if this method isn't available:
The Jackpocket app was created in 2013 by Peter Sullivan and grew into one of the most popular online lottery couriers in the U.S. before DraftKings bought the operation in 2024. The service is one of the most widely available in the U.S., operating legally in 14 states and Washington DC.
While Jackpocket was initially launched as a mobile-exclusive platform, you can now play with its iOS or Android apps or through a desktop site. You can wager on a range of national lottery draws, including Mega Millions, Powerball, Pick-6, and more.
Many people have won playing with Jackpocket, with a New Jersey player claiming a $9.4 million jackpot on a Pick-6 game ticket ordered through the Jackpocket app in October 2021. Even if you don’t win a jackpot, there are plenty of other ways to earn rewards, including regular giveaways through the mobile app.
If you sign up with Jackpocket in New Jersey, you can also access its licensed NJ online casinos and play games like slots, table games, and live dealer games from anywhere within the borders of the Garden State.
Launching in Texas on January 9, 2023, Jackpot has since made a name for itself as one of the most reliable and convenient online lottery couriers around. It’s now available in six U.S. states, where you can use its online services to buy local and national lottery tickets, including Mega Millions and Powerball.
You can play with Jackpot through its desktop site or download the tailored mobile app for iOS and Android. The courier service will upload a scanned copy of every ticket you buy so you can see exactly what you’ve purchased. If you’re lucky enough to win, you’ll keep 100% of your winnings.
Jackpot signed partnership deals with the Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, and the Houston Rockets as a part of its launch in Texas. The online lottery courier also has a marketing partnership with the New York Yankees and has financial backing from the likes of DraftKings CEO Jason Robins, the Kraft Group (owner of the New England Patriots), Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, and NBA stars Joel Embiid and James Harden.
Jackpot has passed the Internet Compliance Assessment Program (iCAP) from the National Council on Problem Gambling, while the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) has also audited the company.
theLotter is considered one of the pioneers of the online lottery courier system, having been founded in 2002. That experience delivers an intuitive platform that allows you to buy tickets in local and licensed national draws in seconds. You get the same straightforward options whether you play on a desktop or through theLotter mobile app.
One of the benefits of playing with theLotter is its 'Promotions' tab, where you can earn rewards for buying lottery tickets. For example, theLotter provides an online bonus to new players in many U.S. states. You can claim rewards like cashback and price reductions by visiting this tab.
The site offers 24/7 live chat support in several languages. You can also email or phone the customer service team to get answers. The online platform keeps players safe through its partnerships with GeoTrust, which ensures its geolocation services are accurate, and theLotter also provides information on local responsible gambling resources.
Which states can I play online lottery in?
The availability of the online lottery, and its various operating platforms, differs from state to state. For example, an online lottery is not available in any form in California. Meanwhile, you can buy online lottery tickets in Virginia through a Virginia Lottery-backed site.
In some U.S. states, the only option is to use an online lottery courier. For example, Jackpocket is the only licensed operator in Arizona, while Florida residents can soon order lottery tickets online with theLotter.
Below is a complete breakdown of online lottery options in every state.
Complete list of U.S. lottery legal status - Updated December 2024
| 🇺🇸 State | 📱 Online Lottery | ☎ Lottery Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | ❌ No | N/A |
| Alaska | ❌ No | N/A |
| Arizona | ✅ Yes | Arizona Lottery (Jackpocket, Lotto.com) |
| Arkansas | ✅ Yes | Arkansas Scholarship Lottery (Jackpocket, Jackpot, Lotto.com) |
| California | ❌ No | N/A |
| Colorado | ✅ Yes | Colorado Lottery (Jackpocket, Lotto.com) |
| Connecticut | ✅ Yes | Connecticut Lottery Corporation (iLottery) |
| Delaware | ❌ No | N/A |
| Florida | Coming soon | Florida Lottery (theLotter) |
| Georgia | ✅ Yes | Georgia Lottery Corporation |
| Hawaii | ❌ No | N/A |
| Idaho | ✅ Yes | Idaho Lottery (Jackpocket) |
| Illinois | ✅ Yes | Illinois Lottery |
| Indiana | ❌ No | N/A |
| Iowa | ❌ No | N/A |
| Kansas | ❌ No | N/A |
| Kentucky | ✅ Yes | Kentucky Lottery |
| Louisiana | ❌ No | N/A |
| Maine | ✅ Yes | Maine State Lottery (Jackpocket) |
| Maryland | ❌ No | N/A |
| Massachusetts | ✅ Yes | Massachusetts Lottery (Jackpocket, Jackpot, Lotto.com) |
| Michigan | ✅ Yes | Michigan Lottery |
| Minnesota | ✅ Yes | Minnesota Lottery (Jackpocket, Lotto.com, the Lotter) |
| Mississippi | ❌ No | N/A |
| Missouri | ❌ No | N/A |
| Montana | ✅ Yes | Montana Lottery (Jackpocket) |
| Nebraska | ✅ Yes | Nebraska Lottery (Jackpocket, Lotto.com) |
| Nevada | ❌ No | N/A |
| New Hampshire | ✅ Yes | New Hampshire Lottery (iLottery, Jackpocket) |
| New Jersey | ✅ Yes | NJ Lottery (Jackpocket, Jackpot, Lotto.com, theLotter) |
| New Mexico | ✅ Yes | New Mexico Lottery (Jackpocket) |
| New York | ✅ Yes | New York Lottery (Jackpocket, Jackpot, Lotto.com, theLotter) |
| North Carolina | ✅ Yes | NC Education Lottery |
| North Dakota | ✅ Yes | ND Lottery |
| Ohio | ✅ Yes | The Ohio Lottery (Jackpocket, Jackpot, Lotto.com) |
| Oklahoma | ❌ No | N/A |
| Oregon | ✅ Yes | Oregon Lottery (Jackpocket, Lotto.com, theLotter) |
| Pennsylvania | ✅ Yes | PA Lottery |
| Rhode Island | ✅ Yes | Rhode Island Lottery |
| South Carolina | ❌ No | N/A |
| South Dakota | ❌ No | N/A |
| Tennessee | ❌ No | N/A |
| Texas | ✅ Yes | Texas Lottery (Jackpocket, Jackpot, Lotto.com, theLotter) |
| Utah | ❌ No | N/A |
| Vermont | ❌ No | N/A |
| Virginia | ✅ Yes | Virginia Lottery |
| Washington | ❌ No | N/A |
| West Virginia | ✅ Yes | West Virginia Lottery (Jackpocket) |
| Wisconsin | ❌ No | N/A |
| Wyoming | ❌ No | N/A |
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U.S. Lottery history
The history of lotteries in the U.S. dates back to the 1800s, with evidence of lottery games being used to generate funds to support new colonies. However, it was Puerto Rico that established the first modern U.S. lottery operation in 1934 before New Hampshire launched the inaugural mainland U.S. lottery in 1964.
More than 45 states in the U.S., plus the jurisdictions of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Washington DC, now operate some kind of lottery in 2024. While no national lottery operating body exists, Mega Millions and Powerball games are offered in most U.S. jurisdictions, effectively providing a national lottery service.
When did the online lottery start?
Following questions from stakeholders in Illinois and New York, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel considered whether online lottery tickets should be included under the Wire Act of 1960. The Counsel ruled that the Wire Act only applied to sports gambling, allowing Illinois to launch the first online lottery service in 2012.
How to play online lottery
Playing online lottery games is straightforward, and millions of players across the U.S. enjoy this type of gambling. Get clued up on how to play two of the most popular online lottery games below:
Playing Mega Millions online
Launched initially as The Big Game in 1996, the Mega Millions was first drawn in September 1996. Only six states were initially included in its draws: Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Virginia. The game operates under the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) and costs just $2 per play. The biggest payout so far occurred in August 2023, where one lucky player won $1.602 billion.
You can play Mega Millions by visiting a lottery retailer or purchasing a ticket through a licensed online service, choosing five numbers between 1 and 70 for the white balls. Then, you pick a number between 1 and 25 for the gold Mega Ball. You win a jackpot by matching all six numbers. You can watch Mega Millions draws every Tuesday and Friday at 23:00 ET.
Playing Powerball online
Powerball, formed in 1992 as part of the MUSL, holds the record for the largest jackpot total in U.S. history, with a California player hitting $2.04b in November 2022. Powerball draws are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 Eastern.
Like Mega Millions, a regular Powerball ticket costs just $2. To play Powerball, you have to select five numbers between 1 and 69 for the white balls and one number between 1 and 26 for the red 'Powerball'. You can choose the numbers by visiting your local lottery retailer or selecting them through any online lottery service in your state.
Learning how to buy lottery tickets online is a simple process, as the majority of games and providers follow the same template:
Pick your platform
Your choice of online lottery platform is determined by your location. In some U.S. states, you can visit the official state lottery provider's website and buy tickets directly. In other regions, you can use lottery courier service websites and apps like Jackpot, Jackpocket, and theLotter to order tickets.
Install the app
If using an online lottery courier service, install the relevant app to your mobile device to ensure easier purchasing and ticket tracking. These apps can be downloaded directly from the operator's website, or from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Select a game
Browse the available games and variations, then pick your favourite. Online lotteries often offer scratch cards and games like keno, as well as traditional formats.
Pick your numbers
Either manually pick your lottery numbers, or use the 'auto-select' function to generate a random selection of numbers and populate your ticket.
Complete your purchase
Once happy with your number choices, confirm your ticket and finalize your order. If using a lottery courier, an agent of the provider will then purchase a ticket on your behalf from an authorised retailer and upload a scan of your ticket to your online account.
Check your ticket
Keep track of your ticket via your online profile on the state lottery website or the online lottery courier app. You will usually receive a notification if you win, but certain draws are also televised weekly.
Biggest U.S. lottery jackpots
While the lottery is often just a bit of fun, everyone secretly hopes to hit that life-changing jackpot. To give you a taste of what you could win by signing up with the best lottery betting sites, here are the biggest lottery jackpots in U.S. history:
| 💰 Jackpot | ☎ Operator | 🇺🇸 State |
|---|---|---|
| $2.04 billion | Powerball | California |
| $1.6 billion | Mega Millions | Florida |
| $1.58 billion | Powerball | California, Tennessee, Florida |
| $1.537 billion | Mega Millions | South Carolina |
| $1.35 billion | Mega Millions | Maine |
| $1.33 billion | Mega Millions | Illinois |
| $1.05 billion | Mega Millions | Michigan |
| $768.4 million | Powerball | Wisconsin |
| $758.7 million | Powerball | Massachusetts |
| $754.6 million | Powerball | Washington |
What are scratch-offs?
Scratch-offs are a type of lottery game where players can win cash instantly by revealing matching symbols. Otherwise known as lottery scratchers, the online version of the game sees players click on the hidden icons or use an 'auto-reveal' function instead of physically scratching the covering off their ticket.
Sometimes available at real money online casinos and sweepstakes casinos as well as at online lotteries, 'Scratch & Win' scratch cards are popular because of their potential for large instant prizes. However, online scratch-offs — like their traditional convenience store predecessors — are still games of chance and there is no guarantee of a return when playing scratch-offs online for real money.
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Where does lottery revenue go?
The use of lottery revenue varies from state to state and depends on what game you’re playing. If you’re participating in a national lottery like Mega Millions or Powerball, around half of the revenue goes back into the lottery prize pool. Most of the remaining funds go towards lottery administration costs and retailer commissions.
Each state will decide how to distribute lottery revenues, but most use these funds to improve areas like education, infrastructure, health services, nature protection, and arts. You can find out how your state utilises lottery revenues by visiting the official state lottery site.
What are online lottery subscriptions?
An online lottery subscription automatically buys tickets with your chosen numbers, taking funds out of your online wallet to do so. You can set up your subscription to purchase tickets for weekly draws, or wait for when prize pools hit a certain amount.
What are online lottery courier services?
As already discussed, third-party companies like Jackpocket, theLotter, and Jackpot use online lottery courier services to provide you with online lottery tickets. Effectively, when you buy your tickets online, the lottery retailers will purchase your ticket in person. The courier will buy the ticket and collect any winnings, providing everything to you online.
While you can buy tickets online, you still need to be in the state where the lottery sales take place to purchase tickets legally. Your online lottery courier will use geolocation technology to verify you are in the correct state to play.
Legal online lottery ticket sites vs. illegal courier
An illegal lottery courier may offer you tickets for all the same U.S. games as a legal platform, but there are no guarantees this site will provide valid tickets. Additionally, governing bodies in the U.S. can’t offer protections if it doesn’t.
Illegal lottery couriers may allow you to buy tickets for lottery draws worldwide. However, you can only legally purchase tickets for the state where you are based and any licensed multi-state draws. We do not recommend using an illegal lottery courier.
Responsible gambling in the US
Responsible gambling is something we take seriously at Covers. If you're ever struggling with problem gambling, you should make use of nationwide and state-specific resources like counselling and helplines which are accessible 24 hours a day.
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) will provide more information and support in your state, while Gamblers Anonymous offers a safe space for people to share their experiences and receive assistance from the community.
Gam-Anon is a self-help organization giving assistance to those directly impacted by a compulsive gambler, while GamTalk is a moderated online forum where users can discuss topics with others in a similar situation.
Gambling helplines
| Organisation | Phone number |
|---|---|
| Gam-Anon | 718-352-1671 |
| Gamblers Anonymous | 855-2CALLGA |
| National Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-800-GAMBLER |
Legal online casino operators also allow players to set account restrictions or limits on themselves. These include deposit limits, while players can voluntarily join the self-exclusion list.
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Best online lottery sites FAQ
Yes, you can play the lottery online in the United States — but this is dependent on your location. More than 45 U.S. states, plus territories like Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Washington D.C, all offer some sort of lottery, but only 27 states currently provide the opportunity to play online.
Every state has its own lottery regulations, so whether you can buy online lottery tickets will depend on where you are playing. You can purchase lottery tickets online in dozens of U.S. states and Washington DC, although each state has its own regulations on these purchases.
The sale of lottery tickets is regulated state-by-state in the U.S. For example, the New York State Gaming Commission oversees local lottery sales and the state’s participation in U.S.-wide draws like Powerball and Mega Millions.
Yes, you can buy lottery tickets online. If you're located in a state that has an online lottery, you will either be able to purchase tickets directly from the official state lottery website or use a lottery courier service.
No, you cannot buy lottery tickets online from another state. You must be physically located in the state where you are purchasing your ticket from.
No, you can’t buy tickets for lotteries in other countries while in the U.S. You must purchase tickets for draws in your state unless you play a multi-state lottery game like Powerball or Mega Millions. You can find details on what draws are available through state-licensed lottery ticket retailers.
The jackpot for hitting the exact numbers in a lottery game will vary weekly. Most online lottery sites will display the latest jackpot so you can see your potential prizes before you play. You may also find details on prizes you can win even if you don’t get the exact numbers.
To check a lottery ticket online, you can visit the official lottery website where you made your purchase and input your ticket number in the relevant section. You can also contact the lottery operator customer support directly, or check your ticket on your lottery app if you used a service like Jackpot, Jackpocket, or theLotter. These apps usually send notifications if you win.
No, most online lottery couriers will only let you buy lottery tickets that you could buy at a physical lottery retailer and don’t offer other gambling services. The exception is if you play with Jackpocket in New Jersey, which is linked to its online casino platform featuring slots, table games, and live dealer titles.
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