There are so many lotteries in USA because playing the lotto is a favorite pastime for many Americans. The big lotteries like the PowerBall or the MegaMillions are available to every citizen, but most states also have their own individual lotteries. It used to be that you had to be a resident to play, but with the rising popularity of online gaming, you can now buy lotto tickets from many online lottery sites in USA.
Aside from all the US lotteries, Americans also have access to many international lottery sites. This article will go over the details of how to play lotto online in US and show you which domestic and international sites are safe and reputable. Let’s learn more about the online lottery in USA.
Top 10 USA Lottery Sites
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TheLotterUp to 25% cashback on the 1st lottery ticket! *T&C Apply -
LottoKingsBuy 1 Powerball play and get 1 FREE *T&C Apply
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Jackpot.comPlay for record-breaking jackpots! *T&C Apply
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Lotto24750% bonus on your 1st deposit *T&C Apply
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Win Trillions0% on lottery winnings *T&C Apply
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Play USA Lotteries50% Bonus on the 1st Deposit *T&C Apply
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LottoSmileBuy a 5+ entry ticket and get 25% cashback *T&C Apply
Top Online Lottery Sites in the USA
We’ve prepared a comprehensive list of sites that allow players to participate in lotto online. USA residents can use them to access domestic and international lotteries and take part without issue. These platforms readily accept US residents, and, most importantly, they are easily accessible and safe to use. If you want to play lottery online US, check out these recommendations:
The Lotter
The Lotter is one of the oldest-running and most well-known online lottery ticket messenger services available to US players. It started operations in 2002 and has a full catalog of the biggest lotteries in USA and internationally. In fact, it boasts that it has over 45 different lotteries worldwide, most notably various EuroMillions, the US Powerball, and the EuroJackpot.
Lotto Direct Limited runs the platform with a valid online gaming license issued by the Malta Gaming Authority under MGA/CRP/402/2017. The Lotter is entirely secure and has GeoTrust SSL-128 encryption. The site provides a smooth user experience and easy navigation.
Users can take advantage of a few promotions, like 10% off the Loteria de Navidad or 20% cashback on select casino games. The platform also organizes several raffles you can enter using your tickets for a chance to win even more prizes and cash. You can buy tickets on the go, as The Lotter has mobile apps for Android and iOS.
The cashier supports several deposit/withdrawal methods, including debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets. Join from your phone or browser for a chance to win multi-million jackpots and other exciting prizes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A rich library of US and international lotteries | Limited promotions and bonuses |
| Players can join syndicates | The withdrawal process can take up to 14 days |
| Several easy withdrawal methods | Delivery fee for ticket purchase |
| Long history and good reputation among players | |
| Ticket purchase is easy and fast |
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TheLotterUp to 25% cashback on the 1st lottery ticket! *T&C Apply
Jackpot.com
Jackpot.com is another well-known platform that makes it easy to purchase online lottery tickets. USA residents can participate in several domestic lotteries, depending on the state in which they live. With Jackpot.com, users can access US-specific lotteries like the NY Lotto, Cash4Life, and, of course, MegaMillions. However, they accept users from other countries, including the UK and Ireland, and you can even change the site’s language to Spanish.
The operators hold two Lottery Courier Licenses for operating in New York and New Jersey. It also has a certificate from the National Council on Problem Gambling, proving its dedication to user well-being and responsible gaming. Jackpot.com also has 256-bit encryption to protect each transaction and the user’s personal data.
The cashier options for making deposits and withdrawals are a little limited, but it still accepts the most popular methods like bank transfers, debit cards, and e-wallets. Deposits are instant, while withdrawals can take up to 3 business days to process. Unfortunately, there is a small fee each time you deposit money into your player account.
Those who prefer playing on their phones can download the iOS and Android applications directly from the Jackpot.com website. Sign up or download the app to put your lucky numbers to the test today.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Promotes responsible gaming | Charges a service fee for deposits |
| Purchases physical tickets and sends users the scans | It has a $300 daily deposit limit |
| Will deliver the physical winning ticket for bigger wins | Limited promotions and bonuses |
| Fully licensed by two reputable gaming regulators | |
| There are no fees on winnings |
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Jackpot.comPlay for record-breaking jackpots! *T&C Apply
LottoSmile
LottoSmile is another established online lotto courier service that’s been operating since 2002. It’s owned by Serlo Limited, registered in the Isle of Man under registration number 134824C. It holds a valid license issued by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission.
This provider takes user security seriously and uses a 128-bit SSL encryption to protect all personal and payment details. The site looks simple and isn’t overcrowded, which leads to fast loading times. It doesn’t offer many promotions, but you can enter several raffles with the tickets you purchase.
One drawback is the limited options for depositing and withdrawing funds. Through the Lotto Smile site, you can only purchase tickets with a Visa or Mastercard debit card. The same goes for making withdrawals, except there is also the option of making a bank transfer, which can take 7 to 14 days to process.
Players can enjoy a selection of over 40 of the best American and international lotteries. Their library includes lottos from all across Europe, South Africa, Asia, and Australia. It has big hitters like the US MegaMillions and PowerBall, but you can also find more niche lotteries like the Italian SuperEnalotto and Spain’s El Gordo. Register an account and join a syndicate or raffle for even better chances of winning big.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Mobile application for iOS and Android | Almost no available promotions |
| No fees for deposits | Limited cashier options for deposits and withdrawals |
| Players can join syndicates for several lotteries | Ticket prices include a service fee |
| Vast library of the best global lotteries | |
| User-friendly and intuitive interface |
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LottoSmileBuy a 5+ entry ticket and get 25% cashback *T&C Apply
Popular International Lotteries Accessible from the USA
While the US has many lotteries on offer, sometimes players may be in the mood for something more exotic. In addition to your local lotto selection, you can also play international lotteries in USA. Joining is as easy as opening your phone and clicking on your favorite. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular lotteries from around the globe.
EuroMillions
This is a lottery that takes place in several European countries. It started in 2004, and the first draw occurred in Paris, France. Today, it’s a joint venture between the national lotteries in the UK, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Austria, Ireland, Belgium, Portugal, and Switzerland. It’s available year-round, with drawings happening every Tuesday and Friday. You must match the 5 main numbers and the 2 lucky star numbers to win. There is also the Lucky Dip option, leaving the number selection up to chance.
EuroJackpot
EuroJackpot is a truly transnational lottery available in 19 European countries. The first draw for this event happened in 2012 and has taken place every Tuesday and Friday since then. The gameplay is simple. Just match 5 main numbers from 1 to 50 and two more Euro numbers out of 12. Players can choose their own numbers or use the Quick Pick feature for a randomized number selection. The EuroJackpot has 12 tiers of prizes, so even if you get a partial match, you still might win something.
SuperEnalotto
Italy’s SuperEnalotto started in 1997 and is now the most popular lottery in the country. The draws happen every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, so players have quite a few opportunities to win the substantial jackpot. All they need to do is match 6 numbers out of 90 to get the main pot. There are also 5 other prize tiers and a so-called Jolly number that grants the lucky player a 5+1 prize.
ElGordo
If you want to kick off the New Year in style, why not buy a ticket for Spain’s most famous annual lottery, ElGordo? The name literally translates to “The Fat One,” because players can expect a fat payout if they win. The jackpot amount in 2022 was a staggering $2.67 billion. It’s also one of the oldest lotteries around, considering the first-ever draw happened in 1812. The draw occurs annually on the 22nd of December, just in time for the Christmas holidays. This one plays a little differently, though. You buy tickets that already have numbers printed on them, and the tickets can split into ten individual sections entitled to 10% of the total winnings.
Australian PowerBall
Our neighbors down under have their own version of the PowerBall, complete with a hefty jackpot amount. It first launched in 1996 and changed to the current format in 2018. Draws happen once a week on Thursday night. You can play the standard game and match 7 regular numbers plus a PowerBall number to win, or you can try to get the exclusive PowerHit to increase the odds of winning. Matching even two numbers gets you one of the smaller prizes, and the lottery has 9 prize divisions.
| Lottery | Official Ticket Price | Starting Jackpot | Odds of Winning |
|---|---|---|---|
| EuroMillions | £2.50 | £17 million | 1 in 140 million |
| EuroJackpot | €2 per line | €10 million | 1 in 140 million |
| SuperEnalotto | €1 | €2 million | 1 in 622,614,630 |
| ElGordo | €40 | €5 million | 1 in 100,000 |
| Australian PowerBall | $6.20 | $4 million | 1 in 134,490,400 |
| US MegaMillions | $2 | $20 million | 1 in 302,575,350 |
| US PowerBall | $2 per play | $20 million | 1 in 292.2 million |
*Ticket prices listed here are taken from the official lotteries. Ticket prices shown on third-party platforms may vary.
A Guide for International Players: Joining American Lottery Websites
Even international players can participate in US lotteries and enjoy the thrill of playing for the big bucks. But don’t go buying tickets just yet. First, you must make a few necessary preparations to avoid issues with your participation. More importantly, you must ensure everything goes smoothly in case you do win some cash. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Legal Check: First and foremost, check what your local laws and regulations say about participation in international lotteries. If it’s not allowed, you won’t be able to claim any potential winnings. Even if most US lotteries allow global participation, it’s best to double-check before getting a ticket.
- Choose the Right Site: Carefully read the Terms and Conditions to make sure the platform you’re using accepts players from your specific country. More than that, see if they support multiple payment options. The platforms we mentioned above are all reliable and secure for international players to use.
- Claiming Winnings: All legitimate lotto ticket purchasing platforms will require you to verify your identity, so having a scan of a valid ID and proof of valid address will be handy. This is for your protection and guarantees you’ll receive potential winnings. Also, be aware that any winnings might be subject to US and local taxation. Read all about lottery taxes to know what to expect.
- Currency and Withdrawals: Some platforms payout prizes only in certain currencies, while others may charge a conversion fee for non-USD transactions. Sometimes, international players face limited withdrawal methods, so check out the payment options beforehand.
How to Play Online Lottery in the USA
So, how to buy lottery tickets online in USA if you live abroad? First, you need a trustworthy site with a good selection of US lotteries. Any of the ones we recommend above are a solid choice. Next, you just need to open an account and buy a ticket. The registration process is fairly simple and looks like this:
- Visit the platform of your choice and click on “Register” or “Sign Up” to open an account.
- Enter the necessary information, including your full name, email address, date of birth, and mobile number.
- Create a username and password.
- Read and accept the terms and conditions and check for a confirmation email.
- Some sites require you to verify your identity, so upload a valid ID and proof of residence.
- Go to your profile and click the “Deposit” button to transfer funds to your account.
- Choose your preferred payment method and select the deposit amount.
- Go to the lotteries tab and pick the one you want to play.
- Choose your numbers and the number of lines or tickets you want to play.
- Finish by clicking “Add to Cart” or “Pay Now” and wait for the results.
If you’re a beginner and aren’t sure how to buy lottery online in USA, don’t worry. It’s all very simple. Once you’re done with the registration and initial deposit, all you have to do is pick your favorite lottery. Each lottery comes with a detailed gameplay explanation, so take your time and read through it to get a clearer picture of what you’re doing. Maybe start with some smaller lotteries and work your way up to the bigger ones.
Legal and Security Considerations
The US doesn’t have a singular nationwide lottery, but several regional and state ones. Each state regulates its own lottery. The Powerball lottery, for example, requires all participants to be 18 or older to buy tickets and play.
When playing US lotteries online, it’s important to confirm their legitimacy, too. Check if the ticket reseller has the proper license to offer online gaming services. You can usually find the license number of the logo of the issuing authority at the bottom of the webpage.
A good indicator of trustworthiness is if the site has SSL encryption, which protects sensitive information and other player data. Stay away from sites that promise guaranteed wins or instant payout without any sort of ID verification.
While, in general, online lotteries are legal in the USA, each state has its own regulations. Some states allow online ticket purchases no matter your location, while others restrict you to in-person purchases only. A select few states, namely Utah, Alabama, Hawaii, Alaska, and Nevada, don’t allow any sort of lotteries.
| US State | Allows Online Lottery Ticket Purchase |
|---|---|
| Alabama | ❌ |
| Alaska | ❌ |
| Arizona | ✅ |
| Arkansas | ✅ |
| California | ❌ |
| Colorado | ✅ |
| Connecticut | ❌ |
| D.C. | ✅ |
| Delaware | ❌ |
| Florida | ❌ |
| Georgia | ✅ |
| Hawaii | ❌ |
| Idaho | ✅ |
| Illinois | ✅ |
| Indiana | ❌ |
| Iowa | ❌ |
| Kansas | ✅ |
| Kentucky | ✅ |
| Louisiana | ❌ |
| Maine | ✅ |
| Maryland | ✅ |
| Massachusetts | ✅ |
| Michigan | ✅ |
| Minnesota | ✅ |
| Mississippi | ❌ |
| Missouri | ❌ |
| Montana | ✅ |
| Nebraska | ✅ |
| Nevada | ❌ |
| New Hampshire | ✅ |
| New Jersey | ✅ |
| New Mexico | ✅ |
| New York | ✅ |
| North Carolina | ✅ |
| North Dakota | ✅ |
| Ohio | ✅ |
| Oklahoma | ❌ |
| Oregon | ✅ |
| Pennsylvania | ✅ |
| Puerto Rico | ✅ |
| Rhode Island | ✅ |
| South Carolina | ❌ |
| South Dakota | ❌ |
| Tennessee | ❌ |
| Texas | ✅ |
| Utah | ❌ |
| Vermont | ❌ |
| Virginia | ✅ |
| Washington State | ❌ |
| West Virginia | ✅ |
| Wisconsin | ❌ |
| Wyoming | ❌ |
Payment Methods and Currency Conversion
Platforms that offer online lotto tickets reserve the right to pick and choose what sorts of payment methods they offer their users. Usually, they try to have a diverse cashier, but most of them accept the most widely used payment methods:
- Visa Debit Card
- Mastercard Debit Card
- Bank Transfer
- PayPall or other e-wallets
US lotto sites are highly regulated, so don’t expect many payment opportunities using BitCoin or other cryptocurrencies. US operators usually only accept and make payments in USD, so players might face fees for currency conversion. Some operators charge deposit fees as well, so check the Terms and Conditions carefully.
How to Claim Lottery Winnings from the USA
As for payments of potential winnings, smaller amounts get deposited directly to your player account. From there, you can either take them out or choose to buy more lotto tickets. If you’re lucky enough to hit a jackpot or another substantial prize, you’ll get an email notification.
Hitting it big when playing the lotto is serious business, so most operators will require you to verify your identity. You’ll need to send in scans from a few documents, like a valid ID and a recent utility bill to confirm your place of residence. Depending on the amount, the verification and withdrawal process can take up to 14 business days.
In the US, all lotto winnings over $5,000 are subject to tax, which will automatically be deducted before the amount gets deposited in your account. You’ll probably have to pay your national taxes as well, so look into that matter as well.
History of Lottery in the USA
Many assume that lotteries are a fairly modern invention, but their history goes all the way back to the 17th century and the pilgrims. The first settlers brought this game of chance to the new world from England. While it was a source of entertainment in the colonies, it also had a more socially responsible role.
The revenue gathered from these lotteries was used to finance the building of schools, roads, and even churches. Some historical records even show that Benjamin Franklin printed lotto tickets in an effort to raise money for a defense militia, but all of that came to an end around the late 1800s with the rise of prohibition.
In addition to a ban on alcohol, there was a ban on all gambling, including playing the lottery. By the start of the 1900s, lotteries were illegal in every US state. The lotto made a major comeback around the 1960s, and not even twenty years later, more and more states started legalizing the lottery. Today, 45 of 50 US states have their own lottery.
While there is no national lottery, the PowerBall and the MegaMillions, the biggest lotteries in the US, are open to residents from all over the country. Americans can buy lotto tickets from a physical location or use third-party lottery couriers to purchase tickets online.
Lottery Tips and Strategies for US Players
While the lotto is essentially a game of chance, there are a few strategies savvy plates can use to increase their odds of winning. If you want to play smarter and win bigger, here are a few tips and tricks you can use:
- Join a lottery syndicate: This is a strategy you can use in person and online. By joining other lotto players, you’ll be able to have more tickets in the running and increase the chances of winning. There only needs to be one ticket with winning numbers for everyone in the syndicate to win. This strategy does increase the amount per person but increases the chances of hitting a jackpot.
- Play less popular lotteries: Yes, the multimillion amounts of the PowerBall and the MegaMillions are very tempting, but with so many participants, the odds of winning are slim. Smaller and less-known lotteries have attractive jackpots but better chances of only one person winning the entire pot. Use online lottery sites in USA to find other interesting games.
- Don’t pick consecutive numbers: Try to mix up the numbers you pick and stray away from consecutive selections or predictable sequences. Mix up your selection by including high and low numbers that don’t fall in the same group. You can take it one step further and make sure your picks end in different digits. Mathematically, your chances are the same regardless of the numbers you choose, but instances when consecutive numbers have been drawn are rare. Also, if you pick a predictable sequence, chances are that someone else has picked the same sequence too.
- Buy multiple tickets for the same lottery: The more tickets you have, the higher your odds of hitting the jackpot. It also increases the possibility of winning smaller cash amounts or other prizes. However, remember to always play responsibly, so set a budget and stick to it.
Player Testimonials and Experiences
Giving US lotteries a try and buying a few tickets can be truly life-changing. But don’t just take out word for it! Let’s take a look at a few actual players who hit the jackpot while using the platform we recommended.
Back in 2017, A.D. from Panama used TheLotter to buy a ticket for the Florida Lotto. It turns out that Lady Luck was on her side, as she won an astonishing $30 million.
“I really was needing the money! Really, really!” – A.D. said, so she took a chance and walked away set for life.
In 2024, a New Yorker hit the ultimate prize and won $2 million from the US PowerBall. He got the winning ticket through Jackpot.com. All he did was click on a screen a few times, and now he’s rolling in dough.
Summary
The online US lottery scene has so many jackpot lotteries that they’ll make your mind boggle. Many of them welcome US residents and international players with equal enthusiasm, and you can play US lotto through several online operators. These lottery resellers also sell tickets for the biggest international lotteries, so put your lucky numbers to the test and buy a ticket or two. This might be your chance to hit it big.
FAQs
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Are online lotteries legal in the USA?
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Can I play US lottery online?
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Can I participate in international lotteries if I’m from the US?
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How can I claim online lotto winnings?