Play Lotto Online: Best Lottery Sites & Apps – USA 2024

Did you know you can play the lottery from the comfort of your own home? It’s true! More than half of all U.S. states now provide legal online lottery options, allowing you to buy tickets and enjoy your favorite games with just a few clicks on your phone or computer.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about playing the lotto online for real money! We’ll introduce you to the best online lottery sites and apps for 2024, explain which states they’re legal in, and answer any questions you may have along the way. Now, let’s get started!

Can You Buy Lottery Tickets Online?

There are two different ways to buy lottery tickets online in the United States today.

1. State-Run Lottery Websites: Many states (Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, etc.) have their own official lottery websites where you can buy tickets directly. These sites are safe and regulated, making it easy to purchase tickets for local and national games. Just create an account, verify your age and residency, and you’re good to go!
2. Third-Party Lottery Apps and Services: There are also third-party platforms that allow you to buy tickets for various lotteries across different states. These courier apps typically charge a small fee for their convenience and usually offer special features like automatic ticket purchases, options for joining public or private lottery pools, and notifications for winning tickets.

Best Online Lottery Sites: Our Top 3 Expert Picks

To make your life easier, we’ve narrowed down the list to help you find the perfect platform for buying lottery tickets online and playing your favorite games from the comfort of your home.

Here are three of the best U.S. lottery sites and apps in November 2024 that offer a combination of convenience, security, and exciting features:

1. Jackpocket

• 📱 App Ratings: 4.4/5.0 (App Store), 4.8/5.0 (Google Play Store)
• 🌎 Legal States: AZ, AR, CO, DC, ID, ME, MA, MN, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, PR, TX, & WV
• ✅ Best Feature: Smart Order for Auto Purchases, Public/Private Lottery Pools

Jackpocket is the most popular online lottery app in the United States today, offering a convenient way to buy and manage your lottery tickets.

After you purchase your tickets, you’ll receive a scan right in the app, along with a confirmation email that includes the ticket serial number. Jackpocket then stores your physical ticket in a fireproof safe, so you don’t have to worry about losing it.

When you win, you get to keep all your earnings; there are no commission fees! Smaller prizes, typically under $600, are deposited straight into your Jackpocket account, which you can withdraw at any time or use to buy more lottery tickets.

One of the app’s best features is the option to join public or private lottery pools, allowing you to increase your chances of winning by collaborating with other players. The Smart Order feature is another highlight, automating your ticket purchases so you never miss out on your favorite draws.

Plus, with the addition of scratch-off games in select states, you can now instantly win right from your device while using the Jackpocket app! How great is that?

2. The Lotter

• 📱 App Ratings: 4.8/5.0 Stars (App Store)
• 🌎 Legal States: MN, NJ, NY, OR, TX
• ✅ Best Feature: 10% Cashback on 1st Purchase, Live Chat Customer Support

Another great option is TheLotter, which saves you from having to run to the store every time you want to play the lottery.

Instead, you can easily choose your favorite games and pick your lucky numbers right from the app. After you place your order, TheLotter’s agents purchase your official tickets from licensed retailers, and you’ll receive a scanned copy uploaded directly to your account.

When you win, you’ll get an instant notification, so there’s no need to keep checking the results yourself.

Also, I should mention that TheLotter offers a wide range of games, including popular ones like Mega Millions and Powerball, as well as local lotteries. Plus, if you’re a new user, you can take advantage of a nice sign-up bonus: 10% cashback on your first purchase when you play five or more lines.

And best of all, there are no commission fees—when you win, all your winnings are yours to keep.

3. Jackpot.com

• 📱 App Ratings: 4.8/5.0 (App Store), 4.6/5.0 (Google Play Store)
• 🌎 Legal States: AR, MA, NJ, NY, OH, TX
• ✅ Best Feature: No Commission Fees, Offers Digital Scratchers

Last but not least, we have Jackpot.com, a great platform for U.S. lottery fans that makes playing super easy. You can explore a variety of games, including Powerball, Mega Millions, and other state lotteries, and choose your own numbers or let the app pick them for you with the quick pick feature.

Once you place your order and complete your payment, Jackpot’s team buys an official ticket for you from a licensed retailer. You’ll receive a scanned copy of your ticket uploaded to your account, so you can check it whenever you want.

Plus, Jackpot.com offers digital scratch cards in states like Massachusetts, Ohio, and Texas, adding instant fun to your experience. You’ll get notifications when your tickets are ready, and if you forget to scratch your ticket within seven days, don’t worry—Jackpot.com will automatically do it for you!

As a licensed lottery courier service with a proven track record for reliability, Jackpot.com ensures a safe and secure experience for all users. This way, you can focus on what really matters—enjoying the excitement of playing and the thrill of potentially winning big!

How We Rate the Best Online Lottery Courier Apps

To help you find the best online lottery sites (and avoid the headaches that can come with subpar, unreliable platforms), we consider several important factors:

• User Experience: For starters, we look at how easy and intuitive the app is to use, making sure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience when playing.
• Game Variety: We check the selection of lottery games available, including both national and state options, to ensure there’s something for everyone.
• Security and Licensing: We verify that the app is properly licensed and has strong security measures in place to keep your personal and financial information safe.
• Payment Options: We assess the different payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, making sure you have flexibility and convenience.
• Customer Support: We review the quality of customer support, including how quickly they respond and how helpful they are, so you can get assistance when you need it.
• Promotions and Bonuses: We consider the promotions and bonuses available to both new and existing users, as these can add extra value to your online gaming experience.
• Reputation and Reviews: Lastly, we always look at user reviews and the overall reputation of the app to ensure it’s reliable and trustworthy.

Where Can You Play the Lotto Online?

Wondering if you can play the lottery online in your state? Below is a complete list of all U.S. states and territories (including Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico) where you can legally buy lottery tickets online.

This table will help you find out if you can join in on the fun from the comfort of your home. Take a look and see if your state is on the list!

Full List of Legal U.S. Online Lottery States

*Note: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah are the only five states that do not sell lottery tickets within their borders. All other states marked “❌ No” allow you to buy lottery tickets in person at licensed retailers, but not online.

Play the Lottery Online for Free – USA 2024

There are a number of different ways to play the lotto online…but, in my experience, one of your best options is social casinos.

These platforms are available in nearly all U.S. states, provide a wide range of lottery-style games (scratch cards, keno, etc.), and give you a chance to win real cash prizes through promotional sweepstakes contests.

In the table below, you’ll find a list of popular social casinos where you can enjoy these games for free RIGHT NOW:

Types of Online Lottery Games You Can Play

In this next section, we’ll take a closer look at some of the different types of online lottery games you’ll get to play. There’s a little something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of traditional games or prefer something a bit more instant.

Here’s a quick overview of some of the most popular options:

Draw Games

Draw games are the classic lottery experience that many of us are familiar with. In these games, you pick a set of numbers and then wait for the drawing to see if you’ve won.

Popular options include Powerball and Mega Millions, each of which can lead to life-changing jackpots, and the anticipation of checking your numbers only adds to the excitement.

Scratch Cards

Online scratch cards are a fantastic way to get quick results without the wait. You simply click or tap your screen to “scratch” off a virtual layer and instantly reveal symbols or numbers.

If you match the winning combinations, you can score cash prizes right away! There’s usually a wide variety of themes and prize levels to choose from, so you’re bound to find something that catches your eye.

Keno

Keno is a fun and interactive game that combines elements of traditional lottery and bingo. You choose a set of numbers from a larger pool and then wait to see how many of your picks match the numbers drawn.

The more matches you get, the bigger your prize! It’s a social game, too—many online platforms let you play with friends or join community games, making it a great way to share the excitement with others.

How To Play Mega Millions & Powerball Online

Mega Millions and Powerball are two of the biggest lottery games in the U.S., offering players the chance to win life-changing jackpots that can reach hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars.

To play, you simply choose five numbers from a pool of 1 to 70 (for Mega Millions) or 1 to 69 (for Powerball) and then pick one additional number, known as the Mega Ball or Powerball, from a separate pool.

Winning the jackpot requires matching all five main numbers and the Mega Ball or Powerball, but there are also smaller prizes for matching fewer numbers.

When playing online, most lottery apps and sites let you pick your own numbers or opt for a quick pick, which randomly selects numbers for you. You can also buy multiple tickets in one go or choose to enter consecutive draws, so you never miss a chance to win.

Many online lottery platforms offer options to subscribe to games, meaning you’ll automatically be entered into every draw, making it more convenient for regular players.

You can usually buy Mega Millions and Powerball tickets on official state lottery websites or through licensed third-party courier apps like Jackpocket, TheLotto, and Jackpot.com. These apps make it easy to purchase tickets, check results, and even claim smaller winnings, all from your smartphone.

Playing online also means you’ll get notifications if you win, so there’s no risk of missing out on a prize!

Online Lottery Bonuses & Promotions

If you want to play the lottery online, why not take advantage of the exciting bonuses and promotions out there? Plenty of U.S. lottery apps offer great incentives to attract new players and keep things exciting for existing ones.

Here are some of the different bonus opportunities you might run into while playing the lotto on your smartphone or another mobile device:

Free Lottery Tickets

First, some lottery sites reward new players with free tickets just for signing up or making their first purchase. These free tickets are a great way to try out the app, explore different lottery games, and boost your chances of winning without spending extra.

Deposit Match Bonuses

Deposit match bonuses give you bonus funds when you add money to your account, effectively doubling your play budget. For example, if you deposit $20 and receive a 100% match, you’ll have $40 to spend on tickets, making it easier to try new games and potentially walk away with real money prizes.

Cashback Offers

Cashback offers refund a portion of your losses, letting you recoup some of your spending over time. With this promotion, if luck doesn’t strike in your favor, you’ll get a little back to keep you playing and trying your luck without breaking the bank.

Refer-A-Friend Programs

Some lotto apps in the U.S. also reward you for bringing friends on board, offering bonus credits or free tickets when someone you refer signs up and plays. It’s a win-win: you’ll enjoy some extra play opportunities, and your friends get a chance to play the lotto with a bonus.

Weekly Raffles

Lastly, weekly raffles are popular on some lottery sites, giving players regular chances to win cash or extra tickets just by entering. Often, these raffles require little more than a ticket purchase or daily login, adding an extra layer of excitement to your regular lottery play.

Is It Safe To Buy U.S. Lottery Tickets Online?

Buying U.S. lottery tickets online can be safe, but it’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your security. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Use Licensed Platforms: Always purchase tickets from official state lottery websites or reputable third-party lottery platforms. These sites are regulated and adhere to strict security standards, ensuring your personal and financial information is protected.
2. Check for Security Features: Look for websites that use encryption technology (indicated by “https://” in the URL) to safeguard your data. Reputable sites will also have clear privacy policies outlining how they handle your information.
3. Read Reviews and Ratings: Before signing up for an online lottery platform, check user reviews and ratings. This can give you insights into the site’s reliability and the experiences of other players.
4. Be Aware of Scams: Unfortunately, there are scams out there targeting lottery players. Be cautious of websites or emails that promise guaranteed wins or require you to pay fees to claim a prize. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
5. Understand State Regulations: Each state has its own laws regarding online lottery sales. Make sure you’re familiar with your state’s regulations to ensure you’re playing legally.
6. Use Secure Payment Methods: When making purchases, opt for secure payment methods like credit cards or trusted payment services. Avoid sharing sensitive information over unsecured channels.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the convenience of buying U.S. lottery tickets online while keeping your information safe and secure.

Online Lottery FAQ