It’s perfectly normal to think of playing the lottery as going to a gas station and a convenience store to purchase a ticket from a cashier. While that is still one of the most popular ways to play the lottery, there are plenty of tickets sold online as well. 

Obviously, online lottery ticket sales is a relatively new phenomenon. We predict it’s something that’s going to continue to grow in the future as well. You can do almost anything online now, and the lottery system in the United States is using new technology to make buying even easier. 

You can’t buy lottery tickets online everywhere in the U.S. In fact, there are some states that don’t even allow the lottery. It usually takes new legislation to allow for online lottery ticket sales, and lawmakers in many states are working to get that done. 

You might not be aware that this buying lottery tickets online is an option for you, but it could end up saving you plenty of time if you enjoy playing. Hopefully this article will give you some important information regarding the online ticket sales of the lottery. You can also find out if this is something that can be done in the state in which you live. 

States That Allow Online Ticket Sales

The rise of online gambling in the United States has been rapid, but that doesn’t mean that every state is willing to get involved. Most states have laws outlawing this form of action in the state constitution. It can be very difficult to get these laws changed. 

The lottery is a more acceptable form of gambling and is legal in 45 states, plus Washington D.C. Online lottery ticket sales have started to take off in many of these states. The list of current states with legal online lottery options is still pretty small in 2023, but several states are working on legislation to get the rules changed. 

Eleven States Allow Online Lottery Ticket Sales

As of August 2023, here are the states and territories that have currently legalized the online lottery system:

The states listed above are those that allow for online ticket sales of the state regulated lottery system. That’s still a relatively small list compared to the more than 30 states that have some form of online sports betting available. 

The Future of Buying Online

If you look at some of the states that still restrict the selling of online lottery tickets, you’ll see that many states could take action in 2024. The state lottery continues to be a great option when it comes to bringing in new revenue. That’s something that all states are constantly looking to do. 

There are currently just five states that have not yet legalized the lottery. Those states include Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. Alabama appears to be the closest state to both legalizing the lottery and allowing online ticket sales. That being said, there is still work to be done. 

If you do live in a state that allows for the selling of online ticket sales then this is something that you should be looking to check out. 

Advantages of Buying Online

Even those that have already gotten into the habit of buying lottery tickets online would likely tell you that there’s nothing that can replace the feeling of buying a ticket in person. This is always going to be an option in states in which the lottery is legal. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of locations throughout each state in which you can buy lottery tickets. 

There are some big advantages of buying a lottery ticket online. It might be something that you should consider doing.

Four Reasons to Buy Lottery Tickets Online

  • One of the biggest advantages is pretty easy to see. That’s the fact that you don’t ever have to leave your house in order to complete a purchase. States that have a legal lottery system are going to have retailers located in most cities or towns. This will always necessitate a bit of traveling. There are some days in which traveling just isn’t a possibility, but you can always hop online and get into the action. 
  • Another big advantage of buying lottery tickets online is the fact that you can then keep track of all of your purchases through your account. You always run the risk of losing a lottery ticket if you buy in person, and that could end up costing you some big money. 
  • It can be pretty tricky to follow along with the announcements of each lottery game, and you might even miss it when you have a winning ticket. That won’t be the case if you buy a ticket online. Those results are going to be uploaded online. You can set notifications to come straight to your mobile device, and you’ll always know the winning numbers and if you won any part of that jackpot.
  • Finally, you can set up your online account so that it automatically buys you the same ticket each week. That means you won’t ever miss out on an opportunity to get in on the action. 

Jackpocket and Other Couriers

Not only will certain states sell lottery tickets online, but there are also lottery couriers that are now offering to take over this task for you. Jackpocket was the first company of this kind, and it has remained a popular option to this day. 

A courier service is going to handle all of the purchasing for you. They will also keep track of the tickets that are bought. Jackpocket doesn’t take a cut out of the winnings if you hit the jackpot. You pay a small fee for Jackpot buying those tickets for you. 

This is going to be another area in which there is some growth moving forward, because the lottery just continues to provide some unique options when it comes to gambling online. Be sure to check out Jackpocket if it’s available in your state as it can save you some time and energy.