If you’re looking to play the lottery online, you have a few different options. These include betting sites, state-based websites, and third-party apps. Whether you’re playing to win a big prize or just to increase your chances of winning, there are many benefits to playing the lottery online.

Online Lottery Websites

Most US states have an official lottery site that allows players to see winning numbers and find locations. They also feature state-level drawings and major multi-state draws like Powerball and Mega Millions. In addition to these, some states offer Instant Games – games that allow players to place bets instantly without having to wait for the draw.

In some states, you can even buy lottery tickets on the go with mobile apps. Using an app or the website to play the lottery can save you money, time, and energy.

Online Lottery Websites That Offer Good Payment Options

Most lottery websites accept a range of online payment methods. These include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Skrill, and PayPal. Some even let you use your credit card or cryptocurrency to make a purchase.

Regardless of your preferred method, you should always check the fine print before making a deposit. Some online lottery sites require a small fee for certain transactions. Others charge a flat rate for all payments.

Other sites give you access to lottery subscription services that allow you to buy tickets for a set number of drawings in advance. Depending on the number of drawing you choose, this can cost you less than buying tickets one at a time.

Some lotteries also donate a portion of their earnings to charity. For example, the Kentucky Lottery donates a percentage of ticket sales to their grant and scholarship programs. New Hampshire’s lottery also contributes to local charities and school funds, while the Pennsylvania Lottery makes donations to elderly residents in the state.

Online Lottery Sites That Are Legal

The online lottery market got off to an abysmal start when states like Illinois and New York tried to sell subscriptions through their websites. This was only made possible after the Department of Justice ruled that the Wire Act did not apply to online gambling and cleared the way for states to regulate lottery sales.

As a result, the online lottery industry exploded in the United States. Several state operators launched desktop and mobile apps to offer tickets, promotions, and subscriptions.

In 2018, the Department of Justice reversed its opinion on the Wire Act and declared that online gambling was not in violation of federal law. This paved the way for additional states to follow suit with online lottery sales.

Most state-sponsored lottery websites never charge a premium for their products, but if you live in a high-cost area or are worried about the impact of taxes on your lottery play, you might want to check the rules before you sign up. Some websites also have VIP clubs or ongoing promotions that offer free plays or other perks to members.