Buying the Lottery Online

Lottery Online

Buying lottery tickets online is becoming more common. The top online lotteries feature multiple games, including multi-state games like Powerball and Mega Millions. They also offer instant win scratchcards and pull tab games. These websites are easy to use and secure. They also provide information on lottery results and jackpots.

The best online lotteries are regulated by a gaming commission and have SSL encryption to protect your personal information. They also have a good payout record. Some state lotteries even allow you to claim your winnings in person, though you might need to pay taxes or fees.

Most online lotteries aren’t government-run, but instead act as middlemen between you and the actual lottery game. These businesses sell entry to official lottery games, such as EuroJackpot or MegaMillions. They also serve as a gateway for players who want to participate in global lottery games.

Retailers, however, oppose the move to online lottery sales. At a legislative hearing, representatives from the New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association and the Massachusetts Package Stores Association argued that moving the lottery online would hurt them. They pointed out that brick-and-mortar lottery sellers earn 5-percent commissions on ticket sales and 1-percent on winning tickets, not to mention crucial foot traffic. The retailers’ association argues that the state should reinvest those profits back into these local stores rather than take them out of the pockets of shoppers. A number of bills have been introduced in the state legislature to do just that.