Whether you are playing online lottery games for fun or to win money, you should know the laws before you play. The benefits of playing online are that you can avoid scams and you can also enjoy a wider variety of games.
A new form of gambling, the online lottery, is on the horizon. There are six states and the District of Columbia that offer online games, and there are several more states considering it. However, while the online lottery has been around for some time, the legality of it has yet to be settled. Some states are deferring to third-party applications, while others have their own lotto websites. Those who do play the online lottery might be interested in the most recent releases from the DC lottery, including Prospector’s Jackpots and Doublin’ Doubloons.
The Department of Justice issued a legal opinion in 2011 that essentially cleared the way for states to offer lottery tickets over the Internet. The ominous micro-short for this is that the online lottery industry is still in its infancy. Aside from a few nifty gimmicks, the actual sale of online lottery tickets is still quite rare. Some states are opting to use third-party courier services to deliver official lottery tickets, while others have their own sites. A few companies, including Jackpocket, have become the go-to providers.
The Internet has made it easier for lottery players to find the best games and the biggest prizes. Aside from the official state-sponsored lottery websites, many gambling sites allow users to limit their spending, and some even allow players to set limits on how much they can spend.
The internet is also helping lottery players stay safe, thanks to better security and faster Internet connectivity. Using geolocation software to locate the right location, lottery websites can verify that you are indeed at the right place at the right time. There are a few sites that even stream events from across the globe. While some states have their own lottery websites, most other states simply require that you sign up with a third-party service.
While the federal Wire Act was originally interpreted to prohibit the sale of online lottery tickets, the Department of Justice clarified its position. The new opinion allowed states to offer lottery tickets online as long as the tickets were not sold in interstate commerce. In order to play, players must be located in a state that allows online ticket sales. Those who win a prize under $50,000 can claim it online, while those who win over $600 must claim it in person.
The other notable tidbit is that the largest online lottery prize in history was won by a Wisconsin resident. In the real world, the prize was worth around $500,000. While the market may not be able to replicate this feat in the future, it has been a big hit with Nevada residents. The online lottery industry is in its infancy, but it is showing signs of improvement.