The history of the United States’ lottery has been a roller coaster. While it is a legal, regulated form of gambling in 45 states and the Virgin Islands, the number of states that offer online lotteries is relatively small. However, the number is growing, and it is likely that more states will adopt online lottery ticket sales in the future.
New Hampshire was the first state to establish a lottery in 1964. Since then, more than $64 billion has been raised through lottery ticket sales, and the money goes to projects in the state. Similarly, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin have also implemented online games.
Online lottery games range from scratch-off games to subscriptions that allow players to buy tickets for every draw. Prizes can range from several thousand dollars to several million. Some of the most popular US online lotteries include Powerball, Mega Millions, and Pick-3.
There are also some online games available through official lotto apps. For example, the New York Lottery Players Club app is available for iOS and Android users. It features Second Chance Drawings and bonus points that can be used to win cash prizes.
The Pennsylvania Lottery’s iLottery service launched in 2018. Customers can purchase online scratch cards with instant prizes. A variety of instant win games are also available. In addition, the system is expanding into real-world drawing games.
New Jersey began offering the US lottery online in 2019. The state’s ticket app allows users to check their numbers and create new tickets. Purchasing a ticket online is only allowed for residents of the state.