With the proliferation of online lotteries, players are now able to play the lottery on the go. They are offered a variety of options including e-Instant games, which can be played on mobile devices and desktops. Some states have even legalized online lottery ticket sales. But for now, most US states have not authorized their lottery to be offered online. There are a few exceptions, however.
The California State Lottery has been offering a versatile package of local draw games since 1984. It also participates in Mega Millions and Powerball drawings. In addition to these, the lottery offers dozens of scratcher games and in-house games.
Several Northeastern states are also working on legalizing online lotteries. Massachusetts is in the process of making this change, while Rhode Island and New Jersey are pursuing it. However, only six states currently offer legalized online lotteries.
Buying tickets for an online lottery is much easier than buying them in person. Not only does it require little outlay, but it is safer. Plus, you can check the results without leaving home. You can use a mobile app to scan your ticket and view prize draws.
Some states offer online lottery tickets through third-party sites. However, these are not as popular as sports betting. Aside from that, the quality of service is generally lower. Moreover, it is not possible to get promotions or bonuses from such sites.
Several online lotteries have been introduced over the past several years. One of the most popular is Cash4Life, which was launched in 2014. Players must choose five numbers from a green ‘cash ball’ pool. After completing the purchase, the ticket is sent automatically to the player’s account. If a player wins the jackpot, the prize will be split among all the participants.
Another lottery option is the Oregon Lottery. Among other benefits, profits from the lottery are distributed to state parks, natural resources, and problem gambling treatment. Additionally, the proceeds of the lottery are remitted to the state’s general fund.
In the event that a player wins the jackpot, he or she is taxed on the winnings. Depending on the amount, the winner will be subject to a tax of up to 3.876 percent. This tax is imposed on all of the winners, not just those from New York.
The Hoosier Lottery in Indiana is another state lottery that offers a number of local and multi-state draw games. Along with the regular Powerball and Mega Millions, the lottery offers the Cash4Life game.
North Carolina’s lottery is officially named the North Carolina Education Lottery. This lottery has contributed more than $5.5 billion to education programs in the state. Besides that, the proceeds of the lottery are directly allocated to the educational fund.
Likewise, the Idaho Lottery was launched in 1989. Two-thirds of the lottery’s dividend funds go to public schools. While the lottery has been offering in-house games for decades, it is now part of the Multi-State Lottery Association.
Several other state lotteries, such as Iowa, Illinois, and New Jersey, are considering expanding their online reach. Online lottery opponents have valid concerns about cannibalization of traditional lottery sales and the state’s search for new revenue sources.