New York doesn’t have an online lottery, but residents in the state can purchase tickets through a third party platform. These third party platforms will ask someone to buy tickets on your behalf and scan them into your account. If you win, you can then claim your prize. This type of online gambling is not completely legal, but is very popular in the state. In fact, there are more than 16,000 retailers where you can purchase tickets.
Despite the legality of playing lottery games online, some jurisdictions have banned them from doing so. As of 2016, only seven jurisdictions offered online lottery games. This number was eight just four years ago, but Minnesota canceled its online lottery program. However, the Department of Justice clarified its position on the Wire Act in 2011, opening the door for states to offer lottery tickets online. Some states have created their own apps to facilitate the online purchase of lottery tickets. Others rely on third-party apps.
Pennsylvania recently introduced an online lottery platform. The lottery offers several draw games, including Mega Millions. The state also supports education and healthcare programs through its lottery revenues. Rhode Island has been operating a lottery online since 1974. In addition to offering instant win games and keno, the state’s proceeds benefit education, law enforcement, and human services.