Purchasing lottery tickets online is an easier way to play lotto games. Not only does it save you time, but you can increase your chances of winning. However, there are a few things you need to know before you make your purchase.
In the United States, there are only seven jurisdictions that offer online lotteries. These states include Illinois, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Although the industry is relatively young, the legal landscape for this type of gambling is still changing. Many states are hesitant to permit credit card use for ticket purchases. There are also concerns about the legality of offshore lottery providers.
The first state to introduce an online lottery was Illinois. In 2011, the Department of Justice issued an opinion that stated the Wire Act did not prohibit the sale of lottery tickets online. Its clarification opened the doors for states to begin offering online lottery ticket sales. As a result, full-fledged online lottery sales have been taking place in several states since then.
In addition to Illinois, the states of Georgia and New Hampshire also have legal online lottery games. These lottery websites also charge the same amount as their in-person counterparts. In the future, several more states will be able to take advantage of this type of gaming.
In 2016, the Kentucky lottery began offering online lottery play. This included introducing a mobile app for players to view their tickets. The Kentucky lottery also introduced keno drawings to the virtual world. This game is similar to scratch-off lottery tickets, and requires players to select a set of numbers. The winner of a keno drawing may claim up to $50,000 in cash, while prizes of less than $600 are credited to an account.
New Hampshire joined the bandwagon in the summer of 2018. The e-Instant games offered by the New Hampshire Lottery are similar to the instant win games available at casinos. These games are played from a smartphone or desktop. In addition, e-Instant games allow users to pool money for bulk ticket purchases.
In October 2017, Pennsylvania’s gambling laws were revised to authorize online casinos and poker. The Pennsylvania Lottery also recently announced it would begin selling lottery tickets online. The state does not yet offer MegaMillions or Powerball online, however. In addition, the state has authorized tribes to sell sports betting.
In the last six months, New York has proposed to launch internet lotteries, and several other Northeastern states are considering online lotteries. As the laws continue to evolve, it’s possible that more states will be able to participate in the online lottery business in the near future.
The online lottery market is still in its infancy, but the industry is expected to grow a respectable percentage during the forecast period of 2022 to 2028. The market is segmented by region, by type, and by applications. Among the top companies operating in this space are China Sports Lottery, Hong Kong Jockey Club, 310Win, Singapore Pools, and Baidu Lottery.