While it may seem like the world has gone online, in reality, a traditional lottery ticket store is not necessarily the best way to buy a lottery ticket. Online lottery sites are fast becoming a popular alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar retailers, as they offer convenience and the same variety of products and services. In fact, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, Maryland, Virginia, and Kentucky have all implemented regulations governing the sale of lottery tickets over the internet.
Powerball: Players from 21 states across the country play this multi-state lottery to compete for at least $40 million. It is drawn every Wednesday and Saturday evening, and has the largest jackpot of all time, with three lucky winners sharing a $1.586 billion prize in 2016.
In addition to offering convenience and flexibility, playing the lottery online eliminates the risks of losing a ticket. Instead of worrying about losing your ticket, you can simply check your numbers online, and the lottery agent will purchase your ticket and send you a confirmation email when it is complete. As a bonus, you can choose your favorite numbers and instantly claim your prize, without the risk of losing your ticket. Then, you can relax and enjoy the thrill of winning the lottery.
The Wire Act prohibits the sale of lottery tickets over the Internet, but the federal government has changed its position. Previously, only states could legally sell lottery tickets online. But today, seven jurisdictions offer lottery tickets online, including Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, Massachusetts, and New York. Until 2015, only one jurisdiction, Minnesota, discontinued its online lottery program. However, the Department of Justice clarified its position on the Wire Act in 2011, and it has paved the way for states to offer lottery tickets online. Some states even offer their own lotto applications, while others defer to third-party apps for this purpose. Those without lotto online services cite verification challenges as the primary obstacle for not offering them.