Playing the Lottery Online in the USA

Playing online has become a growing option in the U.S. You can now take part in many lotteries via state‑run websites, or use courier services where agents purchase tickets on your behalf. Below is an overview of how it works and where it’s available.

Where Can I Play from Within the U.S.?

Not all states allow online lottery play yet, but more are joining all the time. A key U.S. Justice Department ruling in 2011 cleared the way for online ticket sales, and since then, some states have passed laws, developed ticketing systems, and launched online lotteries. Others use courier services. Here are the two models

Official state lottery websites. You register, buy tickets directly online (or via app), and your digital/or scanned ticket is stored in your account.

Lottery courier/agent services. You sign up, choose your numbers, and then an agent purchases a physical ticket for you from a local licensed retailer. Once purchased, you get proof (often a scanned copy) and the ticket is held for you.

States Without Online or Courier Options

Some states still do not allow any form of online lottery purchases, neither direct sales nor through courier services. These include states like Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Utah, and Nevada. In these places, you must buy tickets in person at authorized retailers, and no legal online options exist.

What to Expect When Playing Online

If you live in a state that offers online lottery options, you can expect a smooth and secure experience. Digital tickets are stored in your account, winnings are automatically credited, and you don’t have to worry about losing a physical ticket. Most platforms also offer responsible gambling tools and age verification for safety.

Courier Services (e.g., in Texas, Ohio, Colorado)

If your state doesn’t currently support online lottery play, that may change soon. As laws continue to evolve and more licensing agreements are made, additional states are expected to introduce online ticket sales in the near future.

When purchasing tickets online, the selection of games available will depend on the platform you choose. Most providers offer a mix of local state lotteries and larger multi-state draws—meaning you could land the next massive Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot, all without ever leaving your home.

See more information below for how to play in these states:

Colorado

Colorado players can take part in local favorites like Lotto, Lucky for Life, Cash 5, and Pick 3, along with national draws. These games offer a mix of daily chances and bigger jackpot opportunities. The state lottery was established in July 1982.

Michigan

Michigan has been home to some major wins, including a historic $1 billion Mega Millions jackpot. Popular state games include Fantasy 5, Lotto 47, Daily 3, Daily 4, and Keno, offering something for every kind of lottery fan.

Minnesota

Residents of the Land of 10,000 Lakes can play games such as Lotto America, Pick 3, North 5, and Gopher 5. The state has also had multiple Powerball jackpot winners over the years, making it a lucky place for big-ticket draws. With more than 20 jackpot winners, Minnesota has historically been one of the most successful states in Powerball history!

New York

New York offers a wide variety of games, including New York Lotto, Cash4Life, Win 4, Take 5, Numbers, and Pick 10. It’s one of the most active lottery states, with numerous options available daily. Not to mention, every year the New York Lottery generates billions to help education!

Ohio

The Ohio lottery was launched in 1973, with Mega Millions tickets starting in 2002 and Powerball in 2010. Lottery players in Ohio can try their luck with Lucky for Life, Classic Lotto, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, and Rolling Cash 5. The state is known for a broad mix of draw games with frequent prize opportunities.

Oregon

The money that ticket sales generates in Oregon helps to support education, and even the preservation of natural resources. Oregon’s lottery lineup includes unique state games like Megabucks, Lucky Lines, Win for Life, and Pick 4 alongside Powerball and Mega Millions. These games give players multiple ways to win, every day of the week.

Pennsylvania

Since launching online lottery sales in 2018, Pennsylvania offers both local and multi-state games, including Pick 2, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, Cash 5, Match 6, and Cash4Life. It’s one of the most digitally advanced lotteries in the U.S.

Texas

The Texas Lottery was launched in 1992, the Lone-Star state offers well-known state games like All or Nothing, Pick 3, Daily 4, Cash Five, Texas Two Step, and Lotto Texas. Texas is also famous for producing several record-setting Powerball and Mega Millions winners, with both jackpots worth over $100 million!

Virginia

Virginia players can access a wide variety of lottery options including Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, Cash Pop, and Bank a Million, in addition to national games like Powerball and Mega Millions. Virginia Lottery proceeds also support public schools across the state.