There are a number of lottery games you can play online. Some are exclusively available on the website of a state’s official lottery, while others are made available on third party websites. The odds of winning vary with each game. You can also play online scratch card games.
Online ticket sales have become legal in more than a dozen states. In addition, the federal government has cleared the way for more states to allow it. This change comes after a revision of the Department of Justice opinion.
The first state to allow online ticket sales was Georgia. Sales began in 2012. It expanded to include instant win scratch cards and online keno in 2013.
Connecticut and Rhode Island have not yet authorized online ticket sales. However, they are considering doing so. Washington DC residents can buy tickets online. Aside from games, the proceeds go to fund public school construction and renovations.
New Hampshire and Illinois joined the group of states with online lottery sales in 2018. New Hampshire Lottery sued the Department of Justice after it reversed its 2018 opinion. Similarly, Illinois lawmakers debated ending online lottery sales.
While Pennsylvania Lottery Online is not a fully-fledged online service, it has reported $4 billion in total game sales in just one year. Players can purchase tickets on a computer, tablet, or phone. If they win, the lottery pays them directly.
In addition to the standard draw games, the Pennsylvania Lottery offers several virtual sports games. Keno has one version that has a top prize of $100,000.