Best Lottery Sites in the US: Play Legal Online Lottery in 2024

Best Online Lottery Sites for 2024

Lottery sites offer great options for those who prefer to gamble on the go. Check our guide to learn more about how to play the lottery online in the US.

Online Lotto Sites – Overall Ranking

Lotto Websites by Category

Before you can play US lottery online, you should know what type of gambling site you’re looking for. All operators featured in this guide offer unique benefits, so choosing the best one for you is a matter of knowing what type of experience you prefer. So, take the time to explore all options.

Our experts have outlined the best online lottery sites in seven unique categories, so this table can be your starting point. If you don’t know what you want, picking the top lottery website in the US overall is always a safe choice. Of course, these are some of the best gambling sites in the US, so security and proper licensing are guaranteed.

Our Favorite Site for US Players

The US online lottery industry is highly competitive, and as we pointed out, every gambling operator stands out with some unique features. However, if we must choose one American lottery site to take first place, it would be the one highlighted below, as it combines a multitude of strengths in one neat platform.

Best Lottery Site in the US – Our Recommendation

Our Guide to Online Lottery in the US

If you’re wondering how to play lottery online, you’ve come to the right place. This type of game may be easier to understand than other gambling products, but a little guidance never hurt anybody. The table below highlights the main steps each US player should follow. They are far less complicated than, for example, the process of playing at daily fantasy sites in the US, but beginners might appreciate them.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Website

If you want to increase your chances of winning when you play online lottery games in the US, you should pick the right lottery site for your budget, play style, etc. The gambling operators featured in this guide are famous in their respective states, so they certainly fit the industry standards. However, whether they meet your expectations is yet to be determined.

You can figure out if the best online lottery sites in the US meet your requirements by examining the following aspects: safety & licensing, bonuses, mobile play options, and payment methods. These are the main criteria we use, so feel free to put your investigator hat on and go through the ranking process with us to find a lottery site that ticks all the boxes.

Online Gambling Regulators and Licensing Bodies

Picking a trusted online lottery in the US should be your priority. Therefore, checking the gambling site’s license, valid certificates, and responsible gambling policy are the first steps you can take to ensure your safety. Furthermore, in America, lottery licensing is done on the state level, so when you start researching, look for the logo of the relevant state authority.

• New Jersey Division of State Lottery
• NYS Gaming Commission
• Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
• State of Michigan Department of Treasury
• Colorado Department of Revenue
• Virginia Lottery Board
• New Hampshire Lottery Commission
• Texas Lottery Commission
• World Lottery Association
• NCPG ICAP Certification

As you can see, many different organizations are responsible for the safety of lottery sites online across the US. In addition, there are extra certifications like the NCPG ICAP, which are granted for best practices in player protection. If your chosen lottery has this or similar accreditations, it should be safe for American players.

Bonuses for Online Lottery Players

In addition to a safe gambling experience, most US players also look for top online lottery sites that can provide competitive bonuses. Welcome promotions can provide some extra opportunities to play your favorite lottery games, but not all have fair terms and conditions. Below we’ve highlighted a reasonable offer by a top US lottery site, so check it out:

Before claiming any lottery bonus, check the wagering requirements, validity, and minimum required deposit. Typically, the larger the bonus sum offered, the harsher these terms will be. However, the best online casino bonuses in the US and some lottery promotions, like the one above, are pretty favorable to the player.

Mobile Optimization & App Availability

The majority of American players prefer to gamble on their phones, so finding lottery sites online that are optimized for mobile is fundamental. Our experts have gone even a step further and highlighted the best lottery apps below. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to scan and purchase lottery tickets, you’re in luck.

These native lottery apps are excellent for US players because they are available on Android and iOS. Furthermore, they can offer fast mobile payments and intuitive design. So, no matter your device type, you can download these apps. Just make sure you’re in a state where they are legal.

Payment Methods for Deposits and Withdrawals

Another critical criterion you should pay attention to is the availability of various payment methods. Safe online US casinos that payout would offer trusted deposit and withdrawal options and allow players to pay with credit/debit cards, eWallets, gift cards, etc. Luckily, the best lottery sites in America highlighted in this guide have that covered.

The most used payment methods among US players are PayPal, Visa, and Play+. However, when you choose a suitable deposit and withdrawal option, consider the following aspects: min and max deposits, payout time, and withdrawal limits. For example, the fastest paying casino sites in the US are preferred by many high-rollers, so consider your needs and pick a lottery site with reasonable payment terms.

Popular Types of Lottery Games in the US

There are several popular types of online lottery games in the US. We’ve categorized them based on their gameplay and provided more details for each one below. As you can see, we’ll discuss draw games, instant games, keno, and fast cash games. However, if you want something different, the real money online casino sites should be able to provide other options.

Lottery Draw Games

Draw games are the most traditional type of lottery legal in most US states. To participate, players need to select numbers and wait for a scheduled drawing to determine the winners. The lottery site below is one of the best ones offering popular draw games:

For example, Powerball and Mega Millions are great draw games on this US lottery site. However, note that this platform is not available in every state, so getting access to these lottery games depends on where you are in the US. However, if you can’t find any draw games that you would enjoy, don’t worry. You can try some trusted US online blackjack sites or other casinos that are just as fun.

Instant Lottery Games

Instant lottery games, also known in the USA as scratch-off tickets, are simple games that offer immediate results. American players can purchase virtual tickets and reveal symbols or numbers on the ticket to determine if they’ve won a prize. Here are some popular titles with various themes and prize levels:

These and other instant lottery games are ideal for beginners and widely available at many of the best online lottery sites in the US. Furthermore, with their various themes, they resemble slot games. So, if you enjoy them, you might also like other scratch games at the best slot sites in the US.

Keno Games

Keno games let players choose numbers from a specific range, typically between 1 and 80. Afterwards, a set of winning numbers is randomly selected. Players win prizes based on how many chosen numbers match the winning numbers. These games don’t have many variations, but the lottery site below offers some popular options:

Preferences may vary among US players, but one Keno game that has gained popularity is the ‘Multiplier’ or ‘Super Keno’ variant. In this version, players can add a multiplier to their ticket, increasing the winnings in case of a match. These games are also relatively easy to play, so you might want to try them out if you’re new.

Fast Cash Lottery Games

Fast cash lottery games closely resemble online scratch-off tickets. Both game types offer immediate prizes. However, there are some subtle differences in the gameplay format. Most importantly, with fast cash games, each ticket bought contributes towards a growing jackpot. You can review some of the most popular titles below:

Furthermore, you should note that in many states, these games’ online availability is limited. In most cases, you will have to purchase a ticket from an offline vendor. However, they are growing in popularity, so online lottery sites in the US are starting to offer more of them. In the meantime, the top video poker sites in the US could offer some easy entertainment.

Lottery Odds

The next key factor US players should consider is the odds the lottery site offers. As you may be aware, jackpots don’t fall easily, and luck is the main deciding factor in lottery games. However, some US lotteries have better odds than others. The following table will give you an overview of the most famous games, so you can make the most beneficial choice.

Now that you know what odds you are up against when playing online lottery games in the US, you should be better prepared to pick the right one for you. All lottery sites in this guide are 100% transparent about the odds of the games they feature, so you don’t have to guess.

Legal Terms

Each state has its laws and regulations regarding online lottery sites and the sale of tickets. In some places in the US, tickets can only be sold through official websites and apps, while in others, third-party online lottery platforms are also available. Furthermore, laws can change, so to get the most accurate and up-to-date information, you should check the website of the leading gambling authority in your state.

States That Offer an Online Lottery

Gambling legislation in the US can be complicated. So, to make things easier for you, we’ve examined the legal status of online lottery in America by state. In the interactive map below, you can find out if lottery sites are legal, illegal, or soon-to-be legalized in your state.

As you can see in the map above, most states have authorized some form of online lottery. However, note that the specific regulations and offerings vary. There are also some states where lottery ticket sales are limited to physical retail locations. Finally, the legal landscape can evolve. Massachusetts^[2] is making steps forward towards legalizing online lottery, and lotto sites could soon be active for its residents.

Legal Age to Play the Lottery

In the United States, the minimum age requirement for online lottery activities can vary depending on where you are. In some states, the legal age is 18. However, most commonly, you must be 21 to gamble online. Furthermore, all casino and lottery sites require players to provide a valid ID to prevent underage gambling.

Taxation on Winnings in the US

Lottery winners in the US have to pay federal and state taxes. The specific rate varies based on numerous factors, such as the amount won, the state where the ticket was purchased, and more. Below we’ve provided an estimate of the taxes you may have to pay in various states:

Furthermore, lottery winners have to follow specific procedures to comply with tax regulations. Therefore, we advise you to keep a detailed log of all your gambling activities, online or offline. This will allow you to be completely transparent before the IRS and make the tax submission process easier and faster.

Future of the US Online Lottery Sector

The market has gone a long way since the founding of the New Hampshire Sweepstakes in 1964^[1], today known as the New Hampshire Lottery. Over the past decade, online gambling in the US has been steadily developing, and the predictions for the near future are optimistic.

As technology advances and players become more demanding, more states are likely to consider legalizing online lottery sales. So, we expect the list of reputable US lottery sites to grow.

However, remember that trends can change daily, so the future of online lottery in the US is not written in stone. Our experts have provided some general observations based on current trends, but we’re all curious to see what actually happens tomorrow.

Conclusion: Unique Options to Play the Lotto Online

You’ve almost reached the end of this guide on the best online lottery sites in the US. However, we have one final recommendation before you continue exploring your options. As you know, all operators on this list are licensed and safe, but the lottery operator below has an exceptional app with intuitive design, so check it out:

With the help of this guide, you’ve discovered the best lottery sites in the US. However, don’t forget to keep track of the upcoming lottery draws of your favorite games because picking a gambling operator is just the beginning. A diverse set of lottery games and plenty of entertainment await once you’ve made your choice.

References

1. North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, History of North American Lotteries, Retrieved December 13, 2023
2. Axios, (May 2, 2023), Massachusetts makes a play for an online lottery, Retrieved December 13, 2023

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