One of the oldest forms of gambling in the US, state lotteries are offered in 45 states and Puerto Rico. When the Virgin Islands and Washington DC join the ranks in 2021, there will be fifty states running the games. Some of the biggest jackpots are in the Mega Millions and Powerball.
Playing a lottery online is convenient and offers plenty of benefits. For example, you can watch the results unfold instantly. You can also choose the numbers yourself instead of having them drawn for you. And you can play from your home, instead of having to go to the store.
But what if you live in a state that doesn’t offer state-wide lotteries? If so, you may need to find an online lottery site in a different state. Fortunately, many of the best sites have several games available, including keno and scratch cards. Also, these websites provide promotions and secure payment options.
Those who have never played the lottery online may wonder if it is safe to do so. Luckily, playing lottery online is a safe, easy, and legal option. However, there are a few things you need to know to ensure you are legally allowed to participate.
First, you must be located in a state that offers online lottery tickets. Several states are planning to expand their online presence in the future. In addition, some states have already deferred to third-party applications for their online lottery. These services earn an income from their service fees, which goes towards paying the website’s staff.
Once you are registered, you can make your payment and choose a game. There are several varieties of lottery games, ranging in price from $0.05 to $20. Depending on the game you choose, you may be able to win a prize of up to $500,000. Online lottery sites will automatically withhold 24% federal tax from your winnings if you are a winner of more than $600.
When you buy a ticket from an official lottery vendor, you’re legally bound to the rules of that particular state. If you have a problem, contact the state’s lottery office. Unlike betting sites, official lottery websites are safer and offer a wider variety of games and promotions. This means that the odds of winning are better.
Many states allow you to enter multi-state drawings online, but you can’t play these games if you are in one of the other states. The biggest jackpots are in the Mega Millions, which is also the largest national lottery game in the United States.
Besides offering state-wide lotteries, some jurisdictions also have instant win scratch cards. This means you can play these online for as little as $0.05.
While there are some online lottery sites, only seven jurisdictions in the US currently offer them. This number is expected to rise in the near future. Of these, Pennsylvania Online Lottery is considered one of the best, with a quick pick tool and inside track on lottery results. Additionally, new customers can get a $500 sign up bonus when they register. They can also use bonus code ONLINE10 to get ten free games.