Online Lottery Sales Become Legal in Several US States
Online lottery sales have become legal in a number of US states. This option enables people who live in those states to buy lottery tickets without leaving their homes. Some states have set strict rules for the sale of tickets online. For example, only those over the age of 18 can purchase tickets and if a ticket is sold to a minor, the state will withhold tax revenue.
Many states are reluctant to authorize online lottery ticket sales, though. Their concerns are legitimate, such as cannibalization of in-person sales and the state’s constant search for new revenue sources. However, more and more states are likely to allow online ticket sales in the future. There are a few states, including Minnesota, that have introduced online lottery games to their lottery programs. These states have been able to gain momentum in the legal landscape thanks to a revision of the Department of Justice opinion.
The first state to offer lottery tickets for online purchase was Illinois. In December 2012, the Illinois Lottery launched an online version of Powerball. It later added Daily Lottery Games and Instant Games.
While the Department of Justice opinion initially restricted online lottery sales to within a certain distance of a lottery player’s home, the revised opinion has paved the way for states to regulate online gambling. After the new opinion was published, a number of states including New York and Illinois contacted the Department of Justice to ask for the change.
Today, online lottery ticket sales are legal in several states, including Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Online Lottery offers a range of lottery games, including Keno, Cash 4 Life and Treasure Hunt. The website has also been authorized to conduct raffles and syndicates. A new customer can receive a bonus of 50% off their first purchase when they use the coupon code ONLINE10.
Unlike a traditional lottery ticket, an online ticket is purchased without a physical presence. You create an account and select a game. When you win a prize, you may be required to fill out a claim form. If you win over $600, the online lotto site will automatically withhold 24% federal tax. The rest of your winnings are credited to your account, but you might need to make a visit to a local lottery claim center to pick up your winnings.
Despite the initial inauspicious launch of online lotteries, they have since become popular in some states. Michigan’s online sales broke all records in March 2016, surpassing $8 million a week. And the New Hampshire online lottery, based on NeoPollard Interactive, is a recent addition to the US lottery scene.
There are plenty of sites to choose from. Choose one that is reputable and offers secure payment options. You can sign up for a subscription service so you can get tickets for each drawing. Subscription services vary in price depending on the number of drawings you wish to take part in.
The best lottery sites also feature special promotions, such as free or discounted tickets and games. They are regulated by state gaming authorities and offer password-protected accounts for your security. They also offer a range of games, including keno, scratch cards, and jackpots.