Online lotteries are legal in many parts of the United States, but the rules depend on where you live. Players in more than a dozen US states can now buy Powerball and Mega Millions tickets online without leaving home. You can do it in two ways: through your state’s official iLottery platform, or through a lottery courier app such as Jackpocket that buys a physical ticket on your behalf.
This guide covers which states allow online lotteries, how each method works, which courier services operate in the US, what the most popular games pay, and what you keep after tax.
How we put this together: we checked each state lottery commission’s official site and each courier’s published list of active states. August 2026, and one line on what you tested -e.g., “We also created accounts with Jackpocket and Jackpot.com and bought test tickets in Arizona the month of August.”
18+ only (19 in Nebraska; 21 in Arizona, Iowa, and Louisiana). Gambling should stay entertainment. If it stops being fun, free confidential help is available 24/7 from the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
On this page: Key insights · Best sites compared · How we choose · iLottery vs courier · Legal states · Courier services · How to buy · Games · Lottery vs casino · Tax · Play responsibly · Is it legal? · Final verdict · FAQ
Key Insights for Online Lotteries
The short version, if you only read one section:
- Online lottery is legal in 15+ US states, but only if you’re inside a permitted state when you buy. Geolocation checks enforce this. A VPN will not get around it.
- You have two routes. Official iLottery platforms are run by your state and sell you a digital entry directly. Courier apps like Jackpocket buy a real paper ticket for you from a licensed shop. Both are legal where they operate; the difference is who you’re actually dealing with.
- Couriers fill the gap in states without their own iLottery. Jackpocket has the widest reach, Jackpot.com focuses on a clean mobile app, and TheLotter adds international draws and syndicate (group) play.
- Small wins are automatic; big wins are not. Prizes under your state’s threshold (often around $600) is credited to your account. Anything above it needs an in-person claim at a state lottery office.
- Powerball and Mega Millions are the only games offering nine-figure jackpots for a $2 ticket -but the odds are roughly 1 in 292 million and 1 in 302 million. If you want more frequent, smaller wins, in-state draws, instant win games, and keno have better odds.
- Tax is unavoidable. The IRS withholds 24% on prizes over $5,000, and your final rate can reach 37%. State tax varies from 0% (Florida, Texas) to 10.9% (New York).
- Convenience cuts both ways. Buying from your phone makes it easy to overspend. Every reputable platform offers deposit limits and self-exclusion tools -use them, and see our guide to recognising and managing gambling addiction if play stops feeling fun.
Best Online Lottery Sites Compared
There are two kinds of legal options: official state iLottery platforms, and third-party courier apps. The table below compares the main courier services, since those are the ones you choose between (your iLottery option is decided by which state you’re in).
| Site | Type | States available | Games | Service fee | Payout under threshold | Best for |
| Jackpocket | Courier | Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, and many more | Powerball, Mega Millions, in-state draws | No exact amount | Paid automatically under $600 (varies by state) | A mainstream, well-resourced app in courier-only states |
| Jackpot.com | Courier | Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Arkansas, Arizona, Ohio, New York | Powerball, Mega Millions, in-state draws | $2.00 | Paid automatically under threshold | Players who prioritise mobile usability |
| TheLotter | Courier | Arizona, Minnesota, Oregon | Powerball, Mega Millions, international draws, syndicates | $2.60- $2.70 | Paid automatically under threshold | International draws and syndicate (group) play |
How to read this table: an iLottery site is run by your state and sells you a digital entry directly. A courier is a private app that buys a real paper ticket for you from a licensed shop. Both are legal in the states where they operate. See the full explanation in iLottery vs courier below.
How We Choose the Best Online Lottery Sites
Not every platform that calls itself a lottery site is worth your time or your money. Here is what we check before recommending one.
State licensing or regulatory approval
A legitimate US online lottery is either run directly by a state lottery commission or operates with that commission’s explicit approval. Jackpocket, for example, only enters markets where it has secured regulatory sign-off. If a site cannot tell you which state lottery it works with, that is a red flag.
Game availability
The best platforms offer Powerball and Mega Millions alongside in-state draw games. Stronger iLottery platforms also include instant win games and keno. A platform that only offers subscriptions to a single game has limited value.
Payment methods
Most legal US iLottery platforms accept Visa, Mastercard, and ACH bank transfers, and some accept PayPal. Courier apps typically support the same methods. Avoid any platform that only accepts cryptocurrency or wire transfers with no other option. That is not how regulated lottery services operate.
Payout speed and prize claim process
Wins under your state’s payout threshold are credited to your account automatically. That threshold is usually around $600, but it varies by state, so check your own state’s rule. Wins above the threshold require an in-person visit to a state lottery office, and a reputable platform tells you this upfront. Be cautious of any site that makes large-prize claims sound automatic.
Fees
Couriers charge a service fee on top of the ticket price. A good platform shows that fee clearly before you pay. [TO VERIFY: add the actual fee for each courier once confirmed.]
Bonus offers and promotions
Courier apps occasionally offer welcome promotions such as a free ticket or a deposit match for new users. Official iLottery platforms sometimes run promotional second-chance drawings or loyalty schemes. Neither type of offer usually comes with wagering requirements but always read the terms before claiming.
iLottery Platforms vs. Lottery Courier Services
There are two ways to buy lottery tickets online in the US, and they work differently.
Official iLottery platforms are run directly by state governments. When you buy a ticket through a state’s iLottery site or app, you are purchasing a digital entry directly from the official lottery. Your account is held by the state. Wins under the threshold land in your account, and above-threshold wins require in-person collection.
Lottery courier services are third-party apps that buy a physical ticket on your behalf from a licensed retailer, photograph it, and store it securely. You see a scan of your actual ticket. The courier claims on your behalf for smaller wins and contacts you to arrange physical ticket delivery for larger ones. Jackpocket, Jackpot.com, and TheLotter are the main courier services operating in the US.
The practical difference matters. With an official iLottery platform, you are a direct customer of the state lottery. With a courier, you are a customer of a private company that is authorised to act on your behalf. Both are legitimate in the states where they operate, but the regulatory layer is different.
One rule applies to both: you must be physically located inside the state when you buy. This is enforced by geolocation technology. You do not need to be a resident of that state, but you do need to be there at the time of the transaction. That requirement comes from federal law, which prohibits lottery ticket sales across state lines.
Which States Have Legal Online Lottery in 2026
Legal online lottery in the US works state by state -here’s where you can buy official tickets online in 2026 and which games each state offers.
| State | Platform Type | Platform Name | Key Games Available |
| Connecticut | iLottery | CT Lottery | Draw games, instant win |
| Delaware | iLottery | DE Lottery | Draw games, instant win (launched 2026) |
| Georgia | iLottery | GA Lottery | Draw games, keno, Diggi Games |
| Illinois | iLottery | Illinois Lottery | Draw games, jackpot games |
| Kansas | iLottery | Kansas Lottery | Subscriptions only |
| Kentucky | iLottery | Kentucky Lottery | Draw games, jackpot, instants |
| Michigan | iLottery | Michigan Lottery | Draw games, instants, keno |
| New Hampshire | iLottery | NH iLottery | Powerball, Mega Millions, multi-draw |
| North Carolina | iLottery | NC Education Lottery | Draw games |
| Pennsylvania | iLottery | PA iLottery | Draw games, instants, fast-play games |
| Rhode Island | iLottery | RI Lottery | Draw games, keno |
| Tennessee | iLottery | Tennessee Lottery | Draw games |
| Virginia | iLottery | VA Lottery | Draw games, instants |
| Washington D.C. | iLottery | DC iLottery | Draw games, instants |
| West Virginia | iLottery | WV Lottery | Draw games, instants (launched 2024) |
States without a full iLottery platform often permit courier services instead. New York and New Jersey both allow courier operations and regulate them at the state level. Several other states are in active legislative consideration as of mid-2026, including Indiana and Louisiana. For a state-by-state look at what’s legal where you live, see our Georgia, Delaware, and West Virginia gambling guides.
Best Online Lottery Courier Services in the USA
Courier services fill the gap in states that have not yet launched their own iLottery platform. They are also used by players in iLottery states who prefer the app experience or want access to games outside their home state.
Jackpocket
Jackpocket is the most widely used lottery courier app in the US. It operates in [TO VERIFY: exact number] states plus the District of Columbia, and was acquired by DraftKings in 2024, which expanded its compliance infrastructure across its operating markets. Jackpocket buys physical tickets from licensed retailers, photographs them, and stores them until the draw. Wins under $600 are paid automatically. For wins above that, it contacts you to arrange ticket handover.
- Best for: players in courier-only states who want a mainstream, well-resourced app.
- Trade-off: not available in all states, and DraftKings’ ownership means the platform may evolve in ways that affect the standalone app experience.
Jackpot.com
Jackpot.com is a direct competitor to Jackpocket with a strong mobile interface. It operates in [TO VERIFY: state list] and has built a reputation for a clean user experience and transparent ticket storage.
- Best for: players who prioritise mobile usability.
- Trade-off: smaller state footprint than Jackpocket.
TheLotter
TheLotter is an international lottery courier service that currently operates in Arizona, Minnesota, New York, and Oregon. It lets players order official lottery tickets online for major games such as Powerball and Mega Millions, and also offers subscriptions and lottery syndicates.
A syndicate is a group-play option. Several people pool their money to buy more entries and share any winnings in proportion to what they put in. This gives you more ticket coverage for a lower individual cost.
- Best for: players who want access to international lottery draws alongside US ones, or who want to join a syndicate.
- Trade-off: less US-focused than Jackpocket, and customer support may be slower for US-specific queries.
How to Buy Lottery Tickets Online
- Check whether your state allows it. Use the state table above to confirm whether your state has an iLottery platform or permits courier services. If neither applies, you cannot legally buy lottery tickets online from that state right now.
- Create an account. You will need a valid email address, a US mailing address, and to meet the minimum age for your state. Most states require players to be 18. Nebraska requires 19. Arizona, Iowa, and Louisiana require 21. Both iLottery platforms and courier apps verify your identity before you can withdraw winnings.
- Fund your account. Accepted methods vary by platform. Most accept Visa, Mastercard, and ACH bank transfers, and some accept PayPal. Minimum deposits are usually between $5 and $10, though this varies by platform and payment method.
- Select your game. Choose from multi-state jackpot games like Powerball and Mega Millions, in-state draw games, or instant win titles where available.
- Pick your numbers. Choose them manually, or use Quick Pick for a randomly generated selection.
- Confirm your purchase. You will receive a digital confirmation. For courier purchases, a photograph of your physical ticket is stored in your account.
- Check results. Most platforms notify you by email or push alert after each draw. Results are usually available within minutes of the draw time.
- Claim your prize. Wins up to your state’s payout threshold are credited automatically. Wins above that threshold require an in-person visit to the relevant state lottery office. Claim periods vary by state, but most lotteries allow between 180 days and one year to claim a prize.
Most Popular Lottery Games Online
There are many lottery games to choose from; below are a few of the most popular
Powerball
Powerball draws take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET. You pick five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. Match all six, and you win the jackpot.
A standard ticket costs $2. Adding the Power Play option for an extra $1 multiplies any non-jackpot prize by up to 10x. Jackpot winners choose between a lump-sum cash payment (typically around 60% of the advertised prize before tax) or a 29-year annuity that increases by 5% each year.
Mega Millions
Mega Millions draws run every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 p.m. ET. You pick five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball from 1 to 25. A standard ticket costs $2. The Megaplier add-on, available for $1 extra, multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, or 5x.
Jackpot winners face the same lump-sum versus annuity choice. The Mega Millions annuity pays out over 30 years with 5% annual step-ups.
State Draw Games
Most iLottery states offer their own in-state draw games alongside Powerball and Mega Millions. These usually have better odds than the national jackpot games, because the prize pools are smaller and the player field is limited to one state. Michigan’s Fantasy 5, Pennsylvania’s Pick 2 through Pick 5, and Virginia’s Cash 5 are examples. Wins from these games are credited to your iLottery account within hours of the draw.
Instant Win Games
Several iLottery states, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, offer online instant win games. These work like digital scratch cards. You pay, reveal the result immediately, and any win credits to your account. Prices range from around $0.25 to $30 per play, depending on the game and the prize tier.
Online Keno
Georgia, Rhode Island, and Michigan offer online keno through their iLottery platforms. You pick between 1 and 20 numbers from a pool of 80. The platform draws 20 numbers, and you win based on how many of yours match. Draws run every few minutes, making keno the fastest-moving format available on legal US lottery platforms. If you want to learn the format first, see our full guide to how online keno works.
Online Lottery vs. Online Casino: What to Know Before You Choose
Players who already use online casinos sometimes wonder whether an online lottery is a better or worse use of their bankroll. They work very differently.
| Online Lottery | Online Casino | |
| Main game types | Draw games, instants, keno | Slots, table games, live dealer |
| Jackpot ceiling | Hundreds of millions of dollars | Typically lower; progressive slots vary |
| Odds of the top prize | Very low (Powerball: 1 in 292 million) | Higher hit frequency, smaller amounts |
| Payout for small wins | Automatic under threshold | Instant or same-day for most methods |
| Welcome offers | Occasional free ticket or match offer | Welcome bonuses, free spins, reloads |
| Legal states (2026) | 14+ iLottery states plus courier states | 7 regulated casino states |
Online casinos in legal states tend to offer more game variety, better bonus structures, and more flexible withdrawal options. But if what you want is a shot at a nine-figure jackpot for a $2 stake, Powerball and Mega Millions are the only games that can deliver that. They are different tools for different purposes.
If you’re weighing up casino play as well, see our separate guide to the best online casinos in the USA.
How Online Lottery Winnings Are Taxed
Lottery winnings in the US are treated as ordinary income by the IRS. That means they are taxed at your marginal federal income tax rate, not at a flat rate.
| What | Detail |
| Federal withholding | The IRS withholds 24% on any lottery prize over $5,000 at the point of payment. This is a withholding, not your final bill. For large jackpots, your effective federal rate can reach 37%, so you may owe more when you file. |
| State taxes | These vary a lot. Florida and Texas do not tax lottery winnings. New York charges up to 10.9%, and New York City residents pay an extra local rate on top. Some states exempt lottery winnings entirely; others apply full income tax rates. |
| Lump sum vs. annuity | The lump sum gives you roughly 55–60% of the advertised jackpot before tax, but you absorb the full tax bill in the year you receive it. The annuity spreads payments over 29 or 30 years, which can lower the share of each payment that lands in the top federal bracket. |
Financial advisers generally recommend getting professional tax advice before claiming any prize over six figures. This guide is general information, not tax advice.
Play Responsibly
Online lottery is convenient, which can make it easier to spend more than you intended. Most iLottery platforms offer deposit limits, spending-history tools, and self-exclusion options. Use them.
If gambling is causing problems, the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 1-800-522-4700. The service is confidential. You can also use the National Problem Gambling Helpline chat at ncpgambling.org. Our guide on spotting and managing gambling addiction explains the warning signs and where to turn.
Players who want to exclude themselves from multiple platforms can use state-level self-exclusion programs where available. Check your state lottery commission’s website for the relevant process.
Is It Legal to Buy Lottery Tickets Online in the USA?
Yes, in states that have authorised it. The legal foundation goes back to a 2011 US Department of Justice ruling that clarified the Wire Act of 1961 applies only to sports gambling, not to other forms of online wagering. That ruling cleared the way for Illinois to launch the first modern US iLottery in 2012. Several states have followed since.
The key practical rule is the geolocation requirement. Every legal iLottery platform and licensed courier service verifies that you are physically inside a permitted state before completing any purchase. This is not a policy choice; it is a legal requirement under federal law. Using a VPN to try to bypass it will not work and may break the platform’s terms of service.
Each iLottery platform is regulated by its state’s lottery commission. The Michigan Lottery is overseen by the Michigan Bureau of State Lottery. The Pennsylvania iLottery operates under the Pennsylvania Lottery. Georgia’s iLottery runs under the Georgia Lottery Corporation. These are the same regulators that govern in-person lottery retail, applied to the online channel.
Final Verdict for Lotteries in USA
Buying lottery tickets online in the US is legal, safe, and straightforward -as long as you use the right route for your state and stay inside a permitted state when you buy.
If your state runs its own iLottery platform, that is usually the simplest option: you deal directly with the state, there are no courier fees, and small wins land in your account automatically. If your state does not have one yet, a courier app is the way in. For most players, Jackpocket is the safest starting point thanks to its wide state coverage and DraftKings-backed compliance. Choose Jackpot.com if a polished mobile app matters most to you, and TheLotter if you want international draws or syndicate group play.
Set a budget before you start, treat the ticket price plus any courier fee as the real cost, and remember the odds: Powerball and Mega Millions are a small stake for a huge, very unlikely prize. If you want more frequent wins, in-state draws and instant games give you better odds for less money. Use deposit limits from day one, and step away with the self-exclusion tools if play stops being fun.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change -always confirm the current position with your state lottery commission before you play.
Online Lottery FAQs
Is online lottery legal in the USA?
Yes, but legality depends on your state. Some states offer official online lottery sales, while others permit licensed lottery courier services.
Can I play international lotteries from the US?
Players in the US can use lottery betting sites to place wagers on the outcome of international draws. However, you are not buying an official ticket. Always check whether the site is permitted in your specific state, as gambling laws vary a lot.
Are winnings from lottery sites taxable?
Yes. In the US, lottery winnings are generally subject to federal and state taxes. On a large prize, the operator will usually withhold a portion to cover tax obligations.
Can I buy lottery tickets online from another state?
Generally, no. Most legal online lottery systems require you to be physically located in an eligible state when you buy. Geolocation technology is used to verify this.
Are lottery courier services legal?
They are legal in some states but not all. Always check whether a courier service is authorised to operate in your location before using it.
What is the difference between an official lottery site and a lottery courier?
Official lottery sites sell tickets directly through the state lottery. Lottery couriers buy physical tickets from licensed retailers on your behalf.
Can I claim lottery winnings online?
Smaller prizes are often credited directly to your account. Larger prizes may require identity verification and extra claim steps depending on state rules.
What is the difference between Powerball and Mega Millions?
Both are multi-state jackpot games with drawings twice a week and starting jackpots worth tens of millions. Powerball uses a 5/69 + 1/26 format and offers Power Play; Mega Millions uses a 5/70 + 1/25 format and offers Megaplier. Jackpot odds are about 1 in 292 million for Powerball and 1 in 302 million for Mega Millions. Winners of either game can choose a lump-sum payment or an annuity.
Do lottery courier apps charge a fee?
Yes. Couriers add a service fee on top of the ticket price, since they buy and store a physical ticket for you. A good app shows that fee clearly before you pay. iLottery platforms run by your state generally do not charge a courier-style fee, because you buy the entry directly. [TO VERIFY: state each courier’s current fee here.]
How long does it take to get my winnings?
Small wins under your state’s threshold usually credit to your online account within hours to a couple of days. Larger wins are slower, because they need identity verification and, above the threshold, an in-person claim at a state lottery office. Courier apps will contact you to hand over the physical ticket for big prizes.
For more common questions, see our full online lottery FAQs
18+ (19 in NE; 21 in AZ, IA, LA). Gambling should be kept as entertainment. If you or someone you know needs support, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.