Do you love playing state lottery games but don’t want to leave the house to buy tickets? Now, you can play to your heart’s content from any device and right from your couch.
Playing the lottery online is finally here. In several states, users can play directly on reliable, government-run lottery sites. It’s an easy, safe, and fun new way to try your luck at state lotteries, national games, and scratch-offs.
Two ways to play the lottery online
There are two ways to play the lottery online. If you are lucky enough to live in one of the 16 states that offers online play from their official state lottery website, we recommend you use it. For those who live in a state without an online state lottery, you may have the option to use a lottery courier service. Check out your options in our table below.
| State lottery online | Lottery courier service |
|---|---|
| These are online services owned and operated by your official state lottery that allow you to play their lottery games online. Only 16 states operate online. | These are online services operated by for-profit organizations regulated and licensed by your state lottery. Courier services are live in 21 states. Find out more about courier services here. |
Options for playing online from your state
State-run online lottery play, (sometimes called iLottery), is currently available in 16 states - though more states will likely roll out in the near future. The below table shows what lottery services are available in each state and jurisdiction.
Note: This table is subject to updates as more states launch online and licensed courier services become available.
| State | Official state lottery online | Online courier services (regulated & licensed) |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | ||
| Arkansas | ||
| California | ||
| Colorado | ||
| Connecticut | ||
| D. Columbia | ||
| Delaware | ||
| Florida | ||
| Georgia | ||
| Idaho | ||
| Illinois | ||
| Indiana | ||
| Iowa | ||
| Kansas | ||
| Kentucky | ||
| Louisiana | ||
| Maine | ||
| Maryland | ||
| Massachusetts | ||
| Michigan | ||
| Minnesota | ||
| Missouri | ||
| Mississippi | ||
| Montana | ||
| Nebraska | ||
| New Hampshire | ||
| New Jersey | ||
| New Mexico | ||
| New York | * | |
| North Carolina | ||
| North Dakota | ||
| Ohio | ||
| Oklahoma | ||
| Oregon | ||
| Pennsylvania | ||
| Puerto Rico | ||
| Rhode Island | ** | |
| South Carolina | ||
| South Dakota | ||
| Tennessee | ||
| Texas | ||
| Vermont | ||
| Virginia | ||
| Washington | ||
| West Virginia | ||
| Wisconsin | ||
| Wyoming | ||
| * Subscription only ** Keno and eInstants available online, no draw games |
||
Location restrictions
It’s the law: to play the lottery online, you must be physically located in the state where you’re playing. You may be asked to switch off your VPN, grant geolocation permissions to the state site, or a plugin so the state site can determine your location. If you go on vacation in another state, you will not be able to play your state games while there.
If this feels restrictive, it’s for good reason. Online lottery play is very closely monitored by state and national laws. This keeps lottery play legitimate, and it also ensures the proceeds from purchases go to educational and social causes.
How does it work?
Online gameplay is simple. Individual states may differ in the details, but the following is a general overview that applies to most states:
- Head to your state lottery site. You must be located within the state where you are playing.
- Follow geolocation instructions. You may be asked to “allow” state lottery sites to locate you. You will not be able to play unless you consent.
- Some states have apps you can download for iOS and Android. You can also play through state lottery websites directly on any device.
- You will be asked to register an account and provide personal information, including name, address, and proof that you’re older than 18 years of age (or 21 in Arizona). You may be asked for your social security number as part of this verification process. Choose your game(s) and numbers.
- Enter your e-check, credit card, or payment service information, depending on your preference and the website’s requirements.
- You will be informed if you have a winning ticket. You should be able to access your ticket through your account.
- Collect and withdraw your winnings online if they are less than $600. Contact the lottery for larger winnings.
How much does playing my state lottery online cost?
Generally, playing your state lottery online isn’t more expensive than buying lottery tickets from the store. In addition to the ticket purchase price, there may be a minimum deposit or other fees in some states. In Connecticut and Rhode Island, for example, an initial deposit of $10 is required to start playing. New York requires a subscription fee, which varies depending on your chosen game and amount of draws. There may also be a maximum deposit amount, such as the $1,050 weekly rolling limit in Illinois. You may also be subject to federal and state taxes on your winnings (except in states with no individual income taxes).
Lottery courier costs
There are additional fees charged by lottery courier services. You can find out more in our dedicated lottery courier services guide.
Bonus features
Looking for more than straightforward gameplay? Online state lotteries offer fun bonuses. New Hampshire and Virginia, for example, offer points that can be redeemed for rewards and drawings. Michigan and some other states offer promotions like holiday giveaways, sweepstakes competitions, and first-time bonuses. Many states, like Pennsylvania, offer VIP memberships for additional perks. Take advantage of what your state offers.
Online state lotteries vs. courier services
Online state lotteries are official, government-sanctioned services. Users buy lottery tickets directly from the state lottery.
Lottery courier services are independent businesses. Users pick their games and numbers, and then a courier purchases the ticket from a licensed retailer on the user’s behalf. Both options must comply with all state laws.
There are pros and cons of using each method. The below tables will help you understand these:
| Lottery courier services | |
|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
| Available in more states | Not the official state lottery |
| May offer different games than direct online service | Indirect purchase |
| No taxes on winnings | Devoted to many states, not just yours |
| Business-level customer service | A service fee is charged in addition to the ticket price. |
| Access your account and ticket anytime | Subject to market changes |
| The physical ticket is kept in a vault | Strict location rules |
| Optional responsible play features | Subject to their terms and conditions, which could be onerous |
| Big winners may not be given the option of cash or annuity jackpots | |
| Online state lotteries | |
|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
| Official and government-sanctioned | Taxed winnings |
| Not subject to market changes | Government-level customer service |
| Direct purchase | Strict location rules |
| No fees for using the service | |
| May offer different and more games than courier services | |
| Devoted only to your state | |
| No physical ticket necessary (Can be a con, depending on your preference) | |
| Non-optional responsible play features | |
| Big winners may be given the option of cash or annuity jackpots | |
Responsible play
Playing the lottery should be fun. It shouldn’t have a negative impact on players’ relationships, finances, health or family. State lottery sites are proactive about responsible play.
State sites have non-negotiable spending caps. For example, Georgia allows players to spend up to $500 per day, $1,500 per week, or $5,000 a month. It also includes pop-ups that inform users how long they’ve been playing. State sites offer resources for those experiencing problems due to gambling, like state hotlines.
Beware of scams
Unfortunately, lottery scams are pervasive and clever, and they’re getting more sophisticated every day. Here are ways to stay vigilant and play safely.
- Only use official, vetted lottery sites. Research any URL you use.
- Make sure the site you’re using has a privacy policy.
- Most of your lottery play will be experienced through these official sites and apps. You should not input any personal information unless you are logged into the official sites.
- Any email, text, or call that requests personal information is likely a scam.
- If you’re told that you’ve won something, log into your official state account to collect and verify.
- Keep win details off social media to avoid unwanted attention.
- Create a strong password for your account.
- Regularly update your browsers, apps, and software, and enable multi-factor authentication.
- Monitor your account regularly for any suspicious activity, and swap out credit cards that have been compromised.
FAQs
State lotteries have limited budgets, bureaucratic hurdles, and, in most cases, push-back from brick-and-mortar retailers who believe online lottery will ruin their ticket sales. Lotteries are also subject to strict state laws, so it takes a long time and concerted effort to put state lotteries online. Currently, many states are in different stages of approval.
Cost. Your state lottery will not charge you a service fee, but a courier service will. Plus, under state lottery play, if you win a jackpot, you can choose to take a cash option or an annuity. Courier services may not give you this option.
Yes, your ticket is still valid. Lottery courier services and official state lotteries co-exist, and your ticket is valid from either source.
If you purchase a ticket from your state lottery online or via a retail store, the ticket price is the same. However, if you purchase a ticket for the same game from a lottery courier service, you will pay a small service fee.
Many states don’t offer state lottery games yet. So, in many cases, a courier service is the only online option. Many courier services offer immediate support, whereas many state lotteries take longer to respond. Your personal preferences may also determine which online service you use. See a thorough comparison in the “Online state lotteries vs. courier services” section.
You can check your numbers on Lottery USA. Depending on which online service you use and your notification settings, you will also be informed via email, text, or another preferred method.
If you play online via your state lottery, you will not need a ticket. Courier services buy your physical ticket, scan it, and keep it in a vault for you. From there, you can usually access the ticket online anytime. In either case, if you win less than $600 through the lottery, your money will be transferred to your account with no ticket necessary. If you win a jackpot more than $600, your physical ticket will be sent to you, and you’ll have to claim winnings through traditional methods such as a physical lottery customer service center.
For online state lotteries and courier services, you have to live and be located in the state where you intend to play. There’s no cheating: location tracking will stop you if you try to skirt this law. You will also have to make sure that a courier service or online lottery play is available in your state.
No, the game is exactly the same.
No, you pay exactly the same taxes.
The game rules do not change. However, the terms and conditions may vary. Always read the terms and conditions before playing.
