Before the advent of the Internet, states were hesitant to offer an online lottery, fearing it would be in violation of the Wire Act. New York and Illinois sought legal opinions on this issue, but the Justice Department did not rule out the possibility of online lottery sales. The UIGEA was not implemented until 2015, but the practice of selling lottery tickets online remains legal. The UIGEA’s legal opinion was cited by lottery advocates in favor of online lottery sales.
As legalized gaming has spread across the world, the Internet has created more opportunities for the states to take advantage of it. Online lotteries under state auspices are the most direct way for the state to capitalize on expanded gaming. Currently, six states have legalized online lottery games, with more on the way. While online casinos are becoming more common, online lotteries are growing more popular. And they’re outpacing those casinos.
While a majority of US states offer online lottery websites, the primary utility of these websites is to display winning numbers and contact information. However, some state lotteries have begun expanding their services by adding Instant Games, which are casino-style games where players can wager on a game’s outcome. Players can access these Instant Games via the internet or their mobile device. But the popularity of online lottery games hasn’t diminished the need for physical lottery websites.
Most online lottery sites accept credit cards and PayPal. Purchasing a lottery ticket through an online site is easy and convenient. Some even allow you to withdraw your winnings to a bank account. Nevertheless, be wary of new lottery sites that try to get your money by taking a percentage of the prize. Despite their apparent simplicity, a genuine lottery site will not bombard you with ads or try to profit from your purchase. The best online lottery sites have security measures in place to protect their users.
The Illinois Lottery is one of the states that has expanded its online ticket sales. In March 2012, Illinois became the first state to offer online lottery sales. Powerball and Mega Millions lottery tickets became available through the Illinois Lottery website. Subscriptions to Pick 3 and Pick 4 daily games are also available. In 2021, the Illinois Lottery will also launch its online instant win games, which function like scratch cards. The website has a section dedicated to all of these games.
The Kentucky Lottery began selling online tickets in 2016 and has since expanded their online sales to include instant prize scratch cards. The Michigan Online Lottery website features instant-win scratch cards and over 50 games. The site also offers online keno and instant-win scratch card games. If you are in Michigan, the lottery is a good choice. There are a few benefits. Unlike traditional retail lottery, an online lottery will not impact the revenue of a traditional brick and mortar retailer. In fact, in some cases, online lottery sales can even help to make the lottery more profitable for both parties.
Regardless of which lottery site you choose to use, there is a risk involved. You’re not guaranteed a winning ticket, and the house edge is incredibly high. Buying a lottery ticket is akin to paying for entertainment. If you don’t win, you are better off not playing the lottery altogether. Alternatively, you can purchase lottery tickets at a casino. Just remember to gamble responsibly. Always know your limit and never risk losing all of your hard earned money.