Best Online Lottery Sites: Legal US Lottery Sites 2025

Jackpot.com

What we like

• Clean, fast app on iOS and Android
• Clear ticket scans and real time results
• Under 600 dollar wins paid straight to our account
• Group play with public and private pools
• Built in spend and deposit limits
• Approved as a courier in multiple states

What we do not like

• Service is not live in every state
• You must be inside the state to place orders
• Deposit fee applies on most payments

Best for

Players who want a simple mobile flow, verified ticket scans, and quick payouts on small prizes.

Where it is legal in the US

Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, District of Columbia, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, and West Virginia. You must be in state at the time of purchase and meet the local age rule.

How Jackpocket works

1. Create an account and choose your state.
2. Pick numbers or use quick pick, select draws, and pay.
3. Jackpocket buys your official ticket and uploads a scanned copy.
4. Wins under 600 dollars credit to your balance.
5. Wins of 600 dollars or more are claimed from the lottery with your ticket.

Notable features

• Scratchers online in select states like Colorado, Ohio, and Oregon
• Subscriptions so we never miss a draw
• Super Pick to cover every special ball at least once across many lines
• Public and private pools for easy group play
• Find a retailer map for in person buys if we prefer

Payments, fees, and withdrawals

• Deposits: cards, bank transfer, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, and more
• A deposit fee applies, often around 9 percent plus a small fixed charge
• Withdrawals of small wins are fast, with a low 1 dollar minimum

Promotions

New players often get a small discount on the first order, such as 3 dollars off. Ongoing promos are light, with occasional giveaways inside the app.

Security and trust

US based company with state approvals where it operates. Tickets are tied to our identity with watermarked scans and stored securely. Responsible play tools and self exclusion are built in.

Notable wins

Regular six figure and seven figure wins have been ordered through the app, including record setting jackpots in recent years.

Where it could improve

More states, clearer fee screens at checkout, and wider scratcher coverage would add value.

Bottom line

Jackpocket is a polished and legal way to order real lottery tickets on mobile in supported states. It is quick, transparent, and easy to use. The trade offs are the deposit fee and limited state coverage.

Lotto.com

Lotto.com is a US lottery courier based in Jersey City. We order tickets in the app or on the web. Lotto.com buys them from licensed retailers, uploads a scan to our account, and tracks results. Small wins pay to our balance. Bigger wins are claimed from the state lottery.

What we like

• Fast, simple app with clear ticket scans
• Draw games and online scratch tickets in more states than rivals
• Instant payouts on smaller prizes with no cut taken from winnings
• Verified by independent audit for security and compliance
• No maximum withdrawal limit

What we do not like

• Convenience fee of about fifteen to twenty five percent
• Fewer deposit methods than some competitors
• No welcome bonus

Best for

Players who want quick web based orders, strong scratch ticket coverage, and fast payouts on small prizes.

Where it is legal in the US

Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Oregon. You must be in state at purchase time and meet the local age rule. Most states are eighteen. Nebraska is nineteen. Arizona is twenty one.

How Lotto.com works

1. Create an account and choose your state.
2. Pick numbers or use quick pick, select drawings, and pay.
3. Lotto.com buys your official ticket and uploads a scanned copy.
4. Wins under the retail claim limit credit to your balance.
5. Wins at or above the claim threshold are paid by the state after Lotto.com delivers your ticket.

Scratch tickets online

Lotto.com offers scratchers in Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, and Oregon. We can order up to ten at a time, get a notification when ready, then scratch them digitally in our account. Each game page shows rules, full prize table, odds for each prize, overall odds, and a link to unclaimed prizes.

Notable features

• Subscriptions and multi draw so we never miss a drawing
• Clear order history with images of every ticket
• Helpful onboarding tips for first time buyers

Payments, fees, and withdrawals

• Deposits: credit cards, debit cards, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, PayPal, Venmo. Some states restrict credit cards
• Fees: convenience fee at checkout, often fifteen to twenty five percent. In New York, the fee is taken when funding the wallet
• Withdrawals: ACH bank transfer and PayPal. No maximum withdrawal. Deposited funds cannot be withdrawn and must be used for orders

Promotions

Promos are infrequent. There is no standard welcome offer. A promo code field appears at checkout, but it is not required.

Security and trust

Registered as a New Jersey lottery courier with US headquarters. Independent audit validation for security and integrity. Responsible gambling tools include spend and deposit limits, self exclusion, and KYC checks.

Where it could improve

Lower fees, more payment options, and jackpot alerts would add value. The help center should be easier to find.

Bottom line

Lotto.com is a legit and efficient way to buy real lottery tickets online in approved states. It stands out for scratch ticket coverage and instant small prize payouts. The trade off is a higher convenience fee and limited deposit choices.

Mido Lotto

Mido Lotto is a US lottery courier launched in 2020. We order in the app, Mido buys tickets from licensed retailers, then uploads a scan to our account. Small wins credit online. Bigger wins are claimed from the state lottery.

What we like

• Free first ticket for new users
• Simple interface with bright, clear flows
• $30 refer a friend bonus
• Team pools with chat and easy prize splits
• Multi draw ordering for up to ten draws
• Solid security and age checks

What we do not like

• Must create an account and deposit before viewing games
• Deposit fee of 20 percent plus a one dollar base fee
• PayPal verified email required to fund the wallet
• Limited public info on company history and winners
• Customer support replies can be slow

Best for

Players in markets with few courier options who want a clean app and simple team play.

Where it is legal in the US

Arizona, California, Delaware, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, and Texas. You must be in state at purchase time and meet the local age rule. Most states are eighteen. Arizona is twenty one.

How Mido Lotto works

1. Create an account and verify your age.
2. Deposit to your wallet with a PayPal verified email.
3. Choose your state games and numbers or use quick pick.
4. Mido buys your official ticket and uploads a scan.
5. Wins up to 600 dollars credit to your balance.
6. Wins of 600 dollars or more are claimed from the lottery.

Notable features

• Teams and pools: Invite friends, track shares, and split prizes automatically
• Multi draw: Preorder up to ten draws in one checkout
• Free ticket: Starter perk for new users
• Location checks: VPN must be off to place orders

Payments, fees, and withdrawals

• Funding requires a PayPal verified email
• Service fee is 20 percent on deposits plus a one dollar base fee
• No commission on winnings
• Autofund can keep your balance topped up

Security and responsible play

Physical tickets are stored securely and linked to your account. KYC checks prevent underage play. The app includes deposit and spend limits, time outs, and self exclusion tools.

Where it could improve

Show game menus before deposit, add more payment options, speed up support, and publish a clear winners page.

Bottom line

Mido Lotto is safe, legal, and easy to use in its supported states. Fees and a deposit first flow hold it back. If you have other couriers in your state, compare pricing and features. If you are in a Mido only market, it is a workable option.

Fees And Payouts Compared At The Best Online Lottery Sites

Payment Methods Accepted By Leading Online Lottery Websites

How We Rate and Review the Best Online Lottery Sites

We use a clear review process to ensure our recommendations are unbiased, accurate, and useful.

Each online lottery website and app is tested against strict criteria before earning a rating on our list.

Licensing and safety

We verify whether a site is licensed in the states it operates. Licensed courier services and official lottery platforms must follow state regulations, which guarantees tickets are valid and winnings are paid.

Reputation and trust

We look at the company’s track record, years in operation, and feedback from real users. Services with proven payout histories and transparent operations score higher.

Game selection

A top lottery site should offer access to major draws such as Powerball and Mega Millions, as well as state-specific games. Platforms with extra features like scratch-offs, keno, or syndicates receive higher marks.

Fees and pricing

All lottery couriers charge service fees, but the cost varies. We compare pricing against competitors and highlight which platforms offer the best value. Importantly, none of the licensed sites take a percentage of your winnings.

Ease of use

The best sites make it simple to buy tickets, view scans, check results, and withdraw winnings. We test both mobile apps and desktop sites for speed, clarity, and reliability.

Payment options

We check the range of deposit and withdrawal methods, from credit and debit cards to PayPal, Venmo, and ACH bank transfers. Platforms with flexible, fast, and secure payment options rate more highly.

Customer support

Reliable support is key. We assess response times, availability of live chat or phone support, and the quality of self-help resources like FAQs.

Bonuses and promotions

While not every lottery courier offers welcome bonuses, we highlight any promotions such as free tickets, referral rewards, or syndicate discounts.

Responsible gambling tools

Finally, we consider the site’s approach to responsible play. Features like deposit limits, spending caps, and self-exclusion options are essential for a high score.

Can You Play the Lottery Online?

Yes, if your state allows it. In the US, there are two legal ways to play online:

• State iLottery sites: You buy draw tickets (and often e-instants) directly from the state lottery.
• Licensed courier apps: You order online, the courier buys a real ticket from a retailer, uploads a scan, and credits small wins to your account.

What you need to know

• You must be in-state. Apps use geolocation. VPNs block purchases.
• Age limits apply. Most states are 18+; 19+ in Nebraska; 21+ in Arizona.
• Payment rules vary. Some states restrict credit cards. Debit, ACH, PayPal, or wallets are common.
• Payouts are simple. Under ~$600 usually credits to your account. Larger prizes are claimed from the state lottery with the physical ticket.
• Scratch-offs online exist. Only in select states and through approved apps.
• Traveling is fine. You don’t need to live in a state, just be physically there when you order.

Courier vs. state iLottery: quick compare

• Ownership: Couriers buy official tickets for you; iLottery sells directly.
• Fees: Couriers add a service fee; iLottery pricing is usually face value.
• Proof: Couriers provide ticket scans; iLottery shows digital receipts.
• Winnings: Neither takes a cut of prizes; taxes still apply.

What’s not allowed

• “Lottery betting” sites (you bet on results, no real ticket) aren’t legal for US state lotteries. Stick to state iLottery or licensed couriers.

How to get started (3 steps)

1. Check if your state supports iLottery or a licensed courier.
2. Create an account, verify your ID, and enable location.
3. Pick your game, choose numbers or quick pick, and set spend limits before you play.

U.S. Online Lottery Availability By State

U.S. Lottery History

Lotteries have played a role in America since the 18th and 19th centuries, when ticket sales were often used to raise funds for colonies, infrastructure, and universities. Early draws helped finance projects such as roads, schools, and even parts of the Revolutionary War effort.

The first modern U.S. lottery launched in Puerto Rico in 1934, followed by the New Hampshire Lottery in 1964, which became the first official state-run lottery on the mainland. From there, adoption spread quickly as states recognized lotteries as a stable source of funding for education and public programs.

By 2025, more than 45 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands run lotteries. While there is no single national lottery, interstate draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions serve as a de facto nationwide lottery, with jackpots often exceeding $1 billion.

When Did The Online Lottery Start?

The first step toward digital play came after questions from Illinois and New York about whether online lottery ticket sales were legal under the 1961 Wire Act.

In 2011, the Department of Justice clarified that the Wire Act applied only to sports betting, clearing the way for online lottery sales.

Illinois launched the first official online lottery in 2012, selling Powerball and Mega Millions tickets through its website. Other states soon followed, offering both draw tickets and instant-win games online.

Today, more than a dozen states operate official iLottery platforms, while others allow licensed lottery couriers such as Jackpocket, Lotto.com, and Jackpot.com.

Key Milestones In U.S. Lottery History

• 1934 – Puerto Rico Lottery begins.
• 1964 – New Hampshire launches the first mainland lottery.
• 1985 – Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont form the first interstate lottery compact.
• 1988 – Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) created; leads to Powerball in 1992.
• 1996 – Georgia Lottery introduces first digital “online” system (retail terminals, not internet).
• 2012 – Illinois becomes the first state to sell tickets online.
• 2025 – Over 15 jurisdictions offer online play, either through state iLottery or approved courier apps.

How To Play The Lottery Online

Buying lottery tickets online is now easier than ever, with both state-run platforms and licensed courier services making it possible to play from your phone or computer.

Below we explain how to play the two biggest U.S. lottery games and give you a step-by-step guide for getting started.

Playing Mega Millions Online

Mega Millions began in 1996 as The Big Game and has since grown into one of the largest multi-state lotteries in the U.S. The game is available in nearly every jurisdiction and costs $2 per ticket.

Players pick five white-ball numbers from 1–70 and one gold Mega Ball from 1–25. Matching all six numbers wins the jackpot, which often reaches hundreds of millions. The record Mega Millions payout is $1.602 billion (August 2023).

Drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 p.m. ET and can be entered online through official state lottery websites or licensed courier services like Jackpocket, Jackpot.com, Lotto.com, and theLotter (depending on your state).

Playing Powerball Online

Powerball launched in 1992 and is the other giant of U.S. lotteries. It holds the biggest jackpot in history: $2.04 billion (November 2022, California).

Tickets cost $2 each. To play, select five white-ball numbers from 1–69 and one red Powerball number from 1–26. Players win the jackpot by matching all six.

Powerball draws happen every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET. Online entries are available through many state iLottery sites and approved couriers.

How To Buy Lottery Tickets Online

Learning how to purchase lottery tickets online is simple. The process is nearly identical across states and courier apps:

1. Pick your platform: Depending on your location, you can either buy directly from your state’s official lottery website or use a licensed courier app (Jackpocket, Lotto.com, Jackpot.com, or theLotter).

2. Download the app: Most couriers and state lotteries offer mobile apps. These are available from the App Store, Google Play, or the operator’s website. Apps make it easier to purchase, track, and manage tickets.

3. Choose a game: Select from draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions, state-exclusive draws, or instant-win scratch cards (where available).

4. Pick your numbers: Enter numbers manually or use the Quick Pick/Auto-Pick option to generate a random ticket.

5. Confirm your purchase: Review your ticket and finalize payment. Courier services will buy your ticket from a licensed retailer and upload a scanned copy to your account.

6. Check results: Track your tickets in your account dashboard. Winners under $600 are usually paid instantly to your online balance. For larger prizes, couriers transfer the physical ticket so you can claim directly with your state lottery.

What Are Online Scratch-Offs?

Scratch-offs, also known as instant win tickets or lottery scratchers, are lottery games that reveal cash prizes immediately. Instead of physically scratching away the silver coating on a paper ticket, online scratch-offs let you tap, swipe, or use an auto-reveal function to uncover the hidden symbols.

They are popular because they provide instant results, often with prize pools ranging from just a few dollars up to life-changing jackpots. Online scratch-offs work the same way as their retail counterparts. They are games of chance, and no strategy can influence the outcome.

Scratch-offs are offered by state lotteries, lottery courier apps, and in some cases at sweepstakes-style casinos where players can use virtual coins for a chance to win prizes.

How To Play Scratch-Offs Online

Buying and playing scratch-offs online is simple. Depending on your state, you may have multiple options:

1. Official State Lottery Sites: States like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Virginia offer digital instant games directly through their lottery websites and apps.

2. Courier Services: Apps such as Jackpocket, Lotto.com, and Jackpot.com allow players to order physical scratch tickets online. A courier purchases the ticket from a licensed retailer, scans it into your account, and lets you “scratch” it digitally.

3. Claiming Winnings: Prizes under $600 are usually paid instantly to your online account. Winnings of $600 or more typically require an in-person claim, but couriers securely deliver or mail the winning ticket to you for redemption.

4. Game Variety
   Online scratchers come in many themes and price points, ranging from $1 to $50. Higher-value tickets often come with better odds of hitting large prizes.

Types of Online Lottery Games

Online lottery platforms in the U.S. now offer more than just standard draw games.

Depending on your state and the service you use, you may find a mix of traditional lotteries and instant-win options. Here are the main types:

Draw games

These are the classic lottery games such as Powerball, Mega Millions, and state-specific draws. Players pick numbers, purchase a ticket, and wait for the scheduled drawing. Prizes range from a few dollars to multi-billion-dollar jackpots.

Instant win games

Sometimes called instant lotteries, these are quick-play digital games that provide results in seconds. Instead of waiting for a drawing, you find out immediately if you’ve won. They’re often available through official state iLottery platforms.

Scratch-offs

Online scratch cards work just like the paper versions you find in convenience stores. You “scratch” (or tap/click) to reveal symbols and match them for a chance at instant prizes. Many state lotteries and courier apps now offer digital scratchers.

Keno

Keno is a fast-paced lottery-style game where players choose numbers from a set (usually 1–80). A random draw determines the winning numbers, and payouts depend on how many you match. Online versions typically run every few minutes.

Syndicates and group play

Some lottery couriers and iLotteries allow players to pool tickets with friends or other players. This increases your chances of winning, but prizes are shared among all participants in the pool.

Daily games

Games such as Pick 3, Pick 4, and Cash 5 run every day in many states. These draw games offer smaller jackpots but better odds than multi-state lotteries, making them popular with frequent players.

Is It Legal to Play the Lottery Online?

Yes, online lottery ticket sales are legal in an increasing number of U.S. states.

The exact rules depend on where you live, and not every state offers the same range of games:

• Some states limit online sales to draw tickets like Powerball and Mega Millions.
• Others allow a wider mix of digital products, including instant win games and keno.
• Several states approve third-party couriers such as Jackpocket, Lotto.com, or Jackpot.com to sell tickets online.

Check our state-by-state table above to see what options are available where you live.

How Online Lotteries Became Legal in the U.S.

The path to legal online lotteries began with subscription sales in a handful of states. The major obstacle was the Federal Wire Act, which created uncertainty about whether internet lottery tickets were allowed.

In 2011, the Department of Justice clarified its position after requests from New York and Illinois. The DOJ ruled that the Wire Act only applied to sports betting, not lottery ticket sales.

That decision opened the door for states to bring their lotteries online. Since then, more jurisdictions have launched online platforms or approved licensed courier services, and the list continues to grow. Because most state lotteries already have broad authority to expand products, they can often launch online games without waiting for lengthy legislative approval.

How Lottery Revenue Is Used

Lottery revenue distribution varies widely by state and by game.

For nationwide draws such as Powerball and Mega Millions, roughly half of ticket sales are returned to players in the form of prizes.

The remainder covers operating expenses, retailer commissions, and contributions to state programs.

Each state decides how to allocate its lottery proceeds. Common areas of funding include public education, scholarships, infrastructure projects, veteran and senior services, health programs, environmental protection, and support for the arts.

If you’d like to know exactly how your ticket money is spent, you can check the official website of your state lottery.

Online Lottery Subscriptions Explained

An online lottery subscription is a convenient way to lock in your favorite numbers without having to purchase tickets manually every week.

Once you set up a subscription, tickets are automatically purchased from your online wallet for each draw.

Many platforms also allow you to customize subscriptions so they only activate when jackpots reach a certain threshold.

How Lottery Courier Services Work

Lottery courier apps such as Jackpocket, Lotto.com, Jackpot.com, and theLotter provide a legal way to order tickets online.

When you place an order, the courier purchases a physical ticket from a licensed retailer in your state and uploads a scanned copy to your account.

Winnings under $600 are usually credited instantly to your account.

For larger prizes, the courier securely transfers the original ticket so you can claim directly with the state lottery.

All licensed couriers use geolocation technology to verify that you are physically located in a state where online lottery sales are legal.

Legal vs. Illegal Lottery Couriers

Only licensed couriers are authorized to sell lottery tickets online.

Illegal websites may offer tickets for the same U.S. games, or even international draws, but there is no guarantee they will purchase valid tickets or pay out winnings.

Since they operate outside U.S. regulation, you won’t have legal protections if something goes wrong. To stay safe, stick to official state platforms and licensed courier services.

Do Online Lotteries Hurt Retail Ticket Sales?

One of the biggest arguments against online lotteries is the fear that they will reduce sales at physical retailers. So far, the evidence shows the opposite.

In states where online lottery games have gone live, traditional sales have continued to rise. For example, Pennsylvania’s lottery sales hit $4 billion the year before its iLottery launch in 2018. In the first year after launch, sales increased again, and they’ve kept growing each year since.

Concerns remain about problem gambling and states relying too heavily on lottery revenues, but there’s little proof that online sales reduce in-person sales.

For lawmakers, online lotteries provide a way to boost revenues without cutting into the brick-and-mortar market. Combined with the growing acceptance of legal online sports betting, this has made digital lotteries an attractive option for many states.

Responsible Gambling Resources in the U.S.

Playing the lottery should always be fun, but if gambling ever becomes difficult to manage, there are resources available 24/7.

• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
• Gamblers Anonymous: 855-2CALLGA – peer support groups nationwide
• Gam-Anon: 718-352-1671 – support for families and friends of problem gamblers
• GamTalk: Online community forum offering moderated discussions and peer help

Most legal lottery platforms and courier services also include responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits, spending caps, time reminders, and self-exclusion options.

FAQs

What are the best online lottery sites?

The best online lottery sites in the U.S. include Jackpot.com, theLotter, Jackpocket, and Lotto.com. These platforms are licensed, secure, and available in select states.

Which lottery app is legit?

Legit lottery apps include Jackpocket, Lotto.com, and Jackpot.com. All are state-approved courier services that buy official tickets on your behalf.

Can you actually buy lottery tickets online?

Yes, you can legally buy lottery tickets online in many U.S. states through official state lottery websites or licensed courier apps.

Has anyone ever won the lottery from playing online?

Yes. Players have won millions using online couriers like Jackpocket and Lotto.com, and all prizes are paid out the same as retail purchases.

Is buying lottery tickets online legitimate?

Yes, as long as you use a licensed state lottery platform or an approved courier service. Avoid unlicensed websites that sell tickets illegally.

Is it better to play the lottery online?

Online play is more convenient since you can order tickets, track results, and claim winnings from your phone, but odds and prize pools are the same as retail.

What is the best online lottery app?

Jackpocket is the most popular and widely available lottery app in the U.S., though Lotto.com and Jackpot.com are also top options.

Do online lottery sites offer any bonuses?

Yes. Some sites offer free tickets for new players, referral bonuses, or multi-draw discounts. State lottery apps may also run special promotions.

Are online lottery winnings taxable in the US?

Yes. All lottery winnings are subject to federal taxes, and most states also apply state taxes. Prizes over $600 are reported to the IRS.

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