A number of states allow players to purchase online lottery tickets. While most online ticket sales are still legal, there are some concerns about the ability of these games to cannibalize retail lottery sales. There are also some valid concerns about problem gambling.
Online lottery subscriptions are available for several draw games. These subscriptions offer the same convenience as buying tickets individually, but they allow users to buy a ticket for every drawing. Subscription prices vary depending on the number of drawings. Some subscriptions cost as little as $0.05 for a scratch card game. Purchasing more tickets is usually an advantage, as players can increase their chances of winning.
In addition to traditional lottery subscriptions, some states are offering instant win scratch cards. These products are similar to real scratch-offs, but the prizes are much larger. The prize amount can range from five to 250 times the play amount. However, the legality of these services is unclear in most states.
Some states, such as Massachusetts, permit players to purchase online ticket sales. Although these states have not yet authorized full-fledged online lottery tickets, they have authorized a number of other games. For example, Vermont and West Virginia allow residents to buy a variety of lottery-themed scratch cards. Similarly, New Jersey, Maryland, and Arkansas also allow players to play a wide variety of draw games.
Other states have not decided on whether or not to approve online lottery purchases. However, in recent years, a number of third party lottery courier services have appeared. This type of service is a hybrid of online ticket sales, and is only available in states with tacit approval. Using a third-party lottery courier service is not recommended in most states.
Another option is to use an official state-sponsored lottery website. Buying tickets on an official website will cost the same as buying them from a retail location. However, most of these sites prohibit players from purchasing tickets from out-of-state websites. Alternatively, players can sign up for an account on a third-party lottery application. One such app is Jackpocket.
A few states, such as Illinois, are considering allowing online lottery ticket sales. In 2012, the Illinois Lottery launched a pilot program. It later expanded its website to include Daily Lottery Games, Instant Games, and Powerball lottery tickets. Unlike most other state lotteries, the Illinois Lottery did not include Mega Millions, which is played in the District of Columbia.
Pennsylvania is a state that is currently authorized to sell online lottery tickets. Several draw games are offered by the lottery, including Keno, a virtual sports game, and Mega Millions. Players who purchase a subscription can check the results of all of the games they subscribe to, as well as see a list of past draws. If they win, they may be able to withdraw their prize to their bank accounts.
The Florida Lottery recently launched Cash Pop, a new draw game. This draw game allows players to select a range of numbers from one to fifteen. They can choose to play $1, $2, or $5 for a chance at up to $1,250. Depending on the size of their prize, they can fill out a claim form or visit a local lottery center. Alternatively, they can opt to have the prize credited to their online account.