Playing the lottery online is 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 two ways: through your state’s official iLottery platform, or through a lottery courier app like Jackpocket that purchases a physical ticket on your behalf.
This guide covers which states allow it, how each method works, which courier services operate in the US, what the most popular lottery games pay, and what you actually keep after tax.
Best US Sites with Casino lottery games online 2026
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 access to 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. 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, usually $600, please check as per your state credit to your account automatically. Wins above that threshold require an in-person visit to a state lottery office, and a reputable platform will tell you this upfront. Be cautious of any site that makes large-prize claims sound automatic.
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 point schemes. Neither type of offer typically 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. Above-threshold wins require in-person collection.
- Lottery courier services are third-party apps that purchase 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 make your purchase. 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
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
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 |
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 |
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.
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 18 or more states and the District of Columbia, and was acquired by DraftKings in 2024, which expanded its compliance infrastructure across its operating markets. Jackpocket purchases 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 a smaller number of states but 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 allows players to order official lottery tickets online for major games such as Powerball and Mega Millions, while also offering subscriptions and lottery syndicates. A syndicate is a group play option where multiple participants pool their money to purchase more entries and share any winnings proportionally, providing greater ticket coverage at 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; customer support may be slower for US-specific queries.
How to Buy Lottery Tickets Online
- Check whether your state allows it. Use the 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 at present.
- Create an account. You will need a valid email address, a US mailing address, and to be at least 18 years old (21 in some states. ost states require players to be 18. Nebraska requires players to be 19, while Arizona, Iowa, and Louisiana require players to be 21. Both iLottery platforms and courier apps require identity verification before you can withdraw winnings.
- Fund your account. Accepted methods vary by platform. Most accept Visa, Mastercard, and ACH bank transfers. Some accept PayPal. Minimum deposit amounts are typically between $5 and $10. It may vary 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 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 typically available within minutes of the draw time.
- Claim your prize. Wins up to the state’s payout threshold credit 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
Powerball
Powerball draws take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET. To play, 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 typically 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 usually credit 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.
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 + 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. 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.
Players interested in both can find casino options on the best online casinos in the USA section of this site.
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.
- 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 tax bill. For large jackpot wins, your effective federal rate can reach 37%, which means you may owe more when you file your annual return.
- State taxes: These vary significantly. Florida and Texas do not tax lottery winnings. New York charges up to 10.9%, and New York City residents pay an additional local rate on top of that. Some states exempt lottery winnings entirely; others apply full income tax rates.
- Lump sum vs. annuity: Taking the lump sum gives you approximately 55–60% of the advertised jackpot before tax, but you absorb the full tax bill in the year you receive it. Taking the annuity spreads payments over 29 or 30 years, which can reduce the portion 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.
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.
- 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. Attempts to use a VPN to bypass this will not work and may violate 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 Bureau. 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.
Online Lottery Frequently Asked Questions
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 verify if the site is permitted in your specific state, as gambling laws vary significantly.
Are winnings from lottery sites taxable?
Yes, in the US, lottery winnings are generally subject to federal and state taxes. When you win a large prize, the operator will typically withhold a portion of the winnings to cover tax obligations.
Can I buy lottery tickets online from another state?
Generally, no. Most legal online lottery systems require players to be physically located in an eligible state when purchasing tickets. Geolocation technology is commonly used to verify this.
Are lottery courier services legal?
They are legal in some states but not all. Always verify whether a courier service is authorized 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 purchase 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 additional claim procedures 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, while Mega Millions uses a 5/70 + 1/25 format and offers Megaplier. Jackpot odds are 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.
18+. 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.