The online lottery is gaining popularity and many states are considering legalizing online lotteries. In the Northeast, New Hampshire legalized the lottery last summer and now offers e-Instant games on mobile devices, desktops, and even tablets. Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Jersey are also working to legalize online lottery sales.
Legitimate lottery sites are licensed by state gaming authorities and provide many benefits, including secure payment methods, password-protected accounts, and SSL encryption software. While many scam sites are out to make a quick buck, reputable sites are concerned with providing a smooth and secure experience to their players. They also follow state laws and regulations to protect their customers from fraud.
Rising adoption of the Internet and growing sales of mobile devices are key factors driving growth in the online lottery market. The market is expected to increase by over 60% by the year 2021, compared to 29% in 2010. Another factor driving the growth of online lottery services is the growing expenditure capacity of consumers. In addition to the rising popularity of online lottery games, various government initiatives are also encouraging growth.
Building an online lottery platform is costly and time-consuming. The developer must constantly update the website, implement new technologies, and fix bugs. The operator must also manage staff, which may impede his or her ability to market the lottery. The online lottery platform must be designed to work for the unique needs of the target market.
Some lottery sites also charge additional fees for convenience, which offset the benefits of buying tickets. In addition, they take a percentage of the winnings. Legitimate lottery sites have security measures to protect daily transactions. For example, they use SSL encryption and trust logos. These measures help protect the consumer and ensure that winning lottery tickets are safe.
The process of playing an online lottery is similar to playing the traditional version. The player purchases numbered tickets, and a randomly selected set of numbers is randomly drawn. The winner receives a prize if his or her numbers match those selected by the lottery’s computer. In most cases, online lottery games are run by private businesses.
Players must be residents of the state where the lottery is being offered. Online lottery websites use geolocation software to verify users’ identities. In some states, players may purchase tickets through lottery agents, but it is more convenient to buy tickets from an official lottery vendor. Some websites also offer bonuses and discounts to lottery players. In the US, the Powerball lottery is available in 45 states. Powerball draws take place at 10:59pm ET on Mondays and Wednesdays. Tickets may sell out as late as two hours before the draw.
Online lottery sites are completely legal in the US. Some operators in New York and Illinois challenged the Wire Act, but the Department of Justice ruled that the Wire Act only applied to sports betting. After the decision, many online lottery sites launched. Moreover, state operators began introducing desktop and mobile lottery apps, online lottery subscription services, and promotions.