Online Lottery is a relatively new form of gambling. The US market got off to a slow start, but in 2018 the Department of Justice rescinded its Wire Act opinion, opening the door for states to sell lottery tickets online. Some have already taken advantage, including Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, and New Hampshire. With faster Internet connections and a shift in consumer attitudes, online lotteries have grown rapidly.
In addition to making playing the lottery easier, many of these sites offer features that help players maximize their chances of winning. For example, some will allow you to join lottery syndicates to increase your odds of winning by purchasing more tickets. They also help you track your winnings and will often facilitate the process of collecting your prizes.
Most state-sponsored lotteries sell their tickets through these websites. Some have subscription services that let players play on a pay-as-you-go basis in every draw for a week or more. Other websites will sell packages of tickets for multiple draws in advance. These websites usually charge the same price as the brick-and-mortar shops, but without the added handling fees.
Some of the larger online lotteries even donate a portion of their profits to charitable causes. For instance, the Kentucky Lottery offers a program called KEES Scholarship Program, and the New Hampshire Lottery has an iLottery that gives a small portion of its proceeds to elderly residents. Regardless of the type of online lottery you choose, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations before placing your bets.