Is It Legal To Buy Us Lottery Tickets Online

Our customer service team is here to help. Fill out our online contact form, LIVE CHAT, or give us a call at (804) 692-7777 (option 3) for more information about playing Virginia Lottery games online. See our official online gaming rules. See our official online gaming promotion rules. Cash4Life is a very popular lottery game across the US. Tickets can be purchased physically in nine different states. Nevada lotto players can buy their paper tickets in other states but unfortunately Cash4Life is not available in any of the neighboring states meaning it is unlikely that a Nevada resident will purchase one, unless on holiday in.

US Lotteries – Digging Deeper…

After receiving so much conflicting information regarding playing online lottery games like US Powerball and Mega Millions, it was time we took a serious look at what are the rules and regulations are for people residing outside the United States of America. The size of these jackpots is attracting attention, and serious lottery players want to know whether their play will be legal.

The Bottom Line on US Lotteries

It was concluded in an opinion by VIRGINIA A. SEITZ, United States Assistant Attorney General about the states of New York and New Jersey, that lotteries do not form a part of the Wire Act which is the primary federal legislation governing interstate transactions.

In a nutshell, playing or buying online lottery tickets is completely legal in most countries. But for countries such as the United States that have anti-gambling measures in place, it can be extremely confusing for players. In 2011 the DOJ ruled that the Federal Wire. It was long believed that the Federal Wire Act made it illegal to sell lottery tickets online, but as states come under increasing financial stress despite ever-increasing taxes, lawmakers are under tremendous pressure to raise revenue without raising taxes. Then in late 2011, the Justice Department clarified its stance on the Wire Act.

The amendment to the Wire Act was a result of the growing use of the Internet. Though initially introduced in 2009, it was on the 20th of September 2011, when Seitz wrote a 13-page legal opinion that said “nothing in the materials supplied by the Criminal Division suggests that the New York or Illinois lottery plans involve sports wagering, rather than garden-variety lotteries. Accordingly, we conclude that the proposed lotteries are not within the prohibition of the Wire Act.” In other words, the US federal government conceded the Wire Act only applied to sports betting.

This affects the concept of interstate purchasing of lottery tickets. There is no question that US citizens cannot play lotteries online internationally, but people are allowed to play lotteries online outside the US for games in the US. Some of the US states do have specific rules that prohibit foreigners from playing lotteries in their state, but it is clear where foreigners are welcome!

Can Foreigners Play US Lotteries?

The California Lottery site is very specific and says “It is not necessary to be a California resident, nor a US citizen to play and win any of the California Lottery‘s games, but a player does have to travel there to collect any big jackpot. Most good concierge services will help facilitate this.

In speaking to the Georgia State Lottery, they confirmed that a player would not have to be a resident but would have to fly down to Georgia to physically pick up their big jackpot if a player won US Powerball or Mega Millions. Oh – and they would have to pay the 30% Federal tax. Technically, players are supposed to buy the tickets themselves, but when I discussed getting a friend to do it for me, they assured me that was not an issue. Just to make sure that I either trusted the friend to hold my ticket for me or send it to me immediately (before the draw!).

The Texas State Lottery also confirmed no worries – come get your money! Funny, they also confirmed that this could be processed from outside of Texas with the proper form completed and identification provided. Forget that – if I won the big jackpot, I’d be on a plane to get my money!

Getting Technical on Tax

In a legal opinion by Martha L. Arias, Immigration and Internet Law Attorney, Miami, IBLS Director, she commented on the income tax implications of Israel residents who might win a lottery in the US. It was clarified that they can receive either their lump sum or annuity, but must pay federal tax applicable to foreigners (30%).

Stay Tuned to This Channel

Keep in mind folks that this is evolving legislation, but for now, I have talked to enough people and received information in writing that as long as you use an online lottery concierge that you trust, they will walk you through the correct legal process to claim your big jackpot!

Many of the FAQs and Terms & Conditions online are slightly out of date and do not reflect the current rules and regulations. Happily, I feel much more confident in giving US lotteries a serious thumbs up as well as our approved concierge lottery services.

That is the point – using a concierge lottery service that you trust and that will provide you with the necessary information to collect your jackpot.

State lotteries operate in 45 US states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Lotteries represent one of the oldest forms of legal gambling in the US, with origins dating back to the 1700s. Legal online lottery is not as widely available but is growing in the US.

Lotteries in participating US states generally direct revenue toward state programs, organizations, and charities. In Illinois, for example, 25% of all revenue is applied to in-state schools, charities like the Special Olympics, and causes like Homelessness Prevention.

Illinois became the first US state to legally offer online purchases of lottery tickets almost a decade ago. Through state-regulated platforms and the Jackpocket lottery courier app, online lottery purchases are available in 15 states.

Which States Have Legal Online Lottery?

*online lottery purchases only available on the Jackpocket mobile app

**subscription service only allows purchases for Mega Millions, Cash4Life

The History Of Online Lottery In The US

The origins of the lottery in the US go back to the early 1700s, even before the US became an independent nation. According to US historians, newspaper ads from the colonial era indicate the existence of hundreds of lotteries throughout the 18^th century.

Puerto Rico became the first US territory in the 20^th century to introduce a lottery, doing so in 1934. New Hampshire followed in 1964 as the first US state to offer lottery.

As of 2021, 45 states, along with Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, operate lotteries in the US. Each of these states and territories offer instant win and drawing games unique to each jurisdiction.

All of these territories, apart from Puerto Rico, also participate in MegaMillions and Powerball, the two biggest national lotteries in the US. These multi-state games can see grand prizes go over the $1 billion mark.

Wire Act Opinion And Online Lottery

In 2011, the US Department of Justice issued an opinion on the federal Wire Act that paved the way for individual states to offer online lottery sales. The 1961 Wire Act outlawed electronic transactions related to gambling, but the 2011 opinion ruled that the language in the Wire Act only applied to sports betting.

Illinois became the first US state to offer online lottery sales, with the Illinois Lottery implementing the program in March 2012. As of 2021, seven US offer legal online lotteries.

These states offer online purchases to in-state instant win, drawing, and other games, as well as the national lotteries such as MegaMillions and PowerBall. Online lottery is one of the most common forms of online gambling in the US.

What Bonuses Do Online Lotteries Offer To Players?

Deposit Match Bonuses

Deposit match bonuses allow players to earn bonus money matching a percentage of a player deposit. This kind of bonus is one of the most commonly offered promotions across legal online gambling sites.

The Pennsylvania iLottery, for example, offers a 50% match bonus for first-time depositors, up to $50. With this offer, new players can earn up to $50 in bonus money.

For instance, to earn the full $50 bonus, a new player would have to deposit at least $100. This bonus comes with a 5x playthrough requirement, meaning five times the original deposit must be wagered to earn the full bonus.

Deposit match bonuses don’t always just apply to new players making their first deposit at an online lottery site. The Pennsylvania iLottery also offers the same 50% match bonus, up to $50, for a second deposit made on the platform.

This second deposit match bonus offer carries the same 5x playthrough stipulation, which must be fulfilled within 45 days of the deposit.

How To Purchase Lottery Tickets Online

State Lottery iOS And Android Apps

Most legal online lottery platforms offer mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices.

Android apps must be downloaded directly from a state lottery website. This is because the Google Play store doesn’t allow for downloads of real-money gambling apps. For iOS users, these apps can be found in the App Store.

Jackpocket App

The Jackpocket mobile app legally offers online lottery purchases in several states that don’t have a dedicated online lottery platform.

Jackpocket can be downloaded for both Android and iOS devices. Android users can find the download link at the Jackpocket website.

Desktop

Online lottery tickets can also be purchased directly from a state lottery website, using virtually any desktop browser.

Purchasing Tickets And Redeeming Prizes

Purchases for in-state instant win and drawing games, as well as Powerball and MegaMillions, are just a click away on legal online lottery apps.

Winning tickets are automatically redeemed, with the cash prizes from those tickets available for withdrawal through several methods.

Use our random Lottery Numbers Generator to choose your lottery tickets and to purchase tickets online.

Depositing And Withdrawing

ACH/eCheck, PayPal, debit cards, credit cards, and PayNearMe are some of the methods offered for depositing at legal online lottery sites.

ACH/eCheck and PayPal can be used for withdrawals as well.

How To Play Mega Millions Online

All states offering online lottery through state-regulated platforms and the Jackpocket mobile app allow for ticket purchases to MegaMillions.

MegaMillions and Powerball are the two biggest multi-state lotteries operating in the US. MegaMillions offers purchases in 45 states, Washington DC and the US Virgin Islands.

The MegaMillions drawing game happens twice every week, and carries a grand prize that can sometimes reach over $1 billion. The biggest MegaMillions jackpot ever saw $1.537 billion paid out to the winner.

Winning MegaMillions tickets purchased through state online platforms are automatically redeemed after the drawing, with the winnings paid to the player’s account balance. Those funds can then be withdrawn via ACH/eCheck, PayPal, and various other methods.

The Jackpocket app automatically redeems and pays out winnings of $600 or less. For bigger prizes, Jackpot arranges for the secure delivery of the winning ticket.

How To Play Powerball Online

Much like MegaMillions, Powerball tickets can be found on the menu in all states offering legal online lottery purchases. Powerball is offered in 45 US states, Washington DC, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Powerball operates as one of two major national lotteries in the US. Like MegaMillions, Powerball drawings are conducted twice weekly, with massive potential payouts on the line.

The biggest lottery jackpot in US history saw $1.586 billion paid out to a Powerball winner in 2016.

Powerball tickets purchased online are automatically redeemed in the case of a win.

The Jackpocket app automatically redeems wins of $600 or less. Wins of more than $600 result in Jackpot securely delivering the winning ticket to the winner.

What Are Instant Win Lottery Games?

Instant win lottery games represent some of the oldest forms of legal gambling in the US. Even the lotteries from the 18^th century uncovered by US historians featured forms of instant win games.

The most familiar instant win lottery format comes in the form of scratch-off tickets. Physical instant win scratch-off tickets feature various payouts, and the frequency and amount of these payouts depend on the game.

Online versions of instant-win games work the same way. Many of the instant win games found at retail lottery outlets are also available on official state lottery platforms.

Pennsylvania Instant Win Games

The PA iLottery platform offers more than 50 different instant win games. Plenty of opportunities for big instant payouts await.

The Pennsylvania Keystone Cash instant win game, for example, features a maximum grand prize of $300,000.

Michigan Instant Win Games

The Michigan Lottery offers nearly 100 different instant win games for online purchase. Games like Instant Keno Multiplier and Bullseye Keno carry grand prizes of $500,000.

Is It Safe To Buy Lottery Tickets Online?

State-regulated online lottery platforms offer the chance to purchase online lottery tickets legitimately and legally. Secure purchases for in-state instant win and drawing games, as well as multi-state games like Mega Millions and Powerball, are available at official state lottery online platforms.

Purchasing lottery tickets on these platforms assures the same level of safety as purchasing official state lottery tickets from an approved retail outlet. Players who purchase lottery tickets on state-regulated online lottery platforms can count on prompt and secure payouts on winning tickets.

Is It Safe To Buy Lottery Tickets On Jackpocket?

Jackpocket functions as a third-party online courier for lottery tickets. The Jackpocket app offers purchases for in-state drawing games, as well as national lotteries like Powerball and MegaMillions.

The Jackpocket app operates in eight states. In each of those states is approved and licensed for operation by state lawmakers.

As an officially licensed partner of state and national lotteries, the Jackpocket offers secure purchase and payouts for in-state and national lottery games.

Legal Versus Illegal Online Lottery Sites

Aside from the eight states in which Jackpocket legally operates, the only legal way to purchase lottery tickets online is through official state lottery platforms.

Illinois, Michigan, Georgia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, North Dakota, North Carolina, and New Hampshire are currently the only states in which an official state-regulated online lottery platform operates. Any other outlet offering online lottery ticket sales is doing so illegally.

Online lottery purchases for in-state games must be done within state borders at the time of purchase. Any platform offering tickets to out-of-state lottery games (aside from approved national lotteries) is illegal.

Playing on any kind of illegal online gambling site presents a risky proposition. Player funds are not secured by official gaming regulatory bodies, and depositing at an illegal gambling site doesn’t guarantee that the money can later be withdrawn.

Online Lottery FAQ

Yes. Seven states offer official, legal online lottery platforms. These states include Illinois, Michigan, Georgia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire.

States with official, state-regulated online lottery outlets offer purchase of tickets for in-state drawing and instant win games, as well as multi-state lotteries like MegaMillions and Powerball.

Jackpocket, a legal mobile lottery courier, also offers online lottery purchases in Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Texas, and Washington DC.

Individual states operate and regulate the lottery in their respective jurisdictions. A total of 45 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands operate individual lotteries.

Multi-state lotteries like Mega Millions and Powerball are regulated as joint efforts among participating states.

The minimum age for purchasing lottery tickets, both retail and online, is 18.

Legal online lottery platforms require proof of identity, age, and location to purchase tickets.

Lottery ticket courier services operate as legal, licensed partners to state and national lotteries. Platforms like the Jackpocket app essentially purchase lottery tickets on the player’s behalf.

Jackpocket functions much like the official online lottery platforms offered in some states. Players can deposit funds, purchase tickets, and withdraw winning directly from the Jackpocket app.

Winnings of up to $600 are automatically applied to a player’s balance on Jackpocket. Winnings of more than $600 will result in Jackpocket arranging for secure delivery of the physical winning ticket to the player.

Jackpocket operates legally in Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Texas, and Washington DC. Online lottery purchases made through Jackpocket in these states are as secure as purchasing at an official retail or online state lottery outlet.

Is It Legal To Buy Us Lottery Tickets Online Booking

Buy Powerball Tickets Online Legally

The biggest prizes available in online lottery instant win games can reach into the six-figure territory or higher.

A pair of online instant win games offered by the Michigan Lottery carry $500,000 grand prizes. These games include Instant Keno Multiplier and Bullseye Keno, both of which function as instant-win drawing games.

The PA iLottery offers the Pennsylvania Keystone Cash instant win game, with a grand prize of $300,000.

Yes. Non-US residents can purchase lottery tickets and win prizes in US-bases lotteries. Players must be 18 or over and have purchased a winning ticket inside the US to be eligible to win.

Purchasing a US-based lottery ticket without being located inside US borders is illegal.

Is It Legal To Buy Us Lottery Tickets Online

Federal law dictates that US citizens cannot legally participate in lotteries outside the US through the mail, internet, or phone.

Is It Legal To Buy Us Lottery Tickets Online Usa

The only way to legally purchase an international lottery ticket is by visiting a foreign country and making an in-person purchase. Winnings on international lottery ticket purchases are subject to taxation in both the issuing country and the US.