Is Online Lottery Legal

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US Lotteries – Digging Deeper…

Due to outdated laws in India online lottery is not illegal if it lives up to certain requirements. The lottery site servers need to be outside of India. The lottery game needs to be an international game. You need to be over 18 to play. Online Lottery is not illegal you can play it but you have to pay the income tax on the money you receive in your account from the winnings. Rest you would be better guided by a local lawyer.

After receiving so much conflicting information regarding playing online lottery games like US Powerball and Mega Millions, it was time we took a serious look at what are the rules and regulations are for people residing outside the United States of America. The size of these jackpots is attracting attention, and serious lottery players want to know whether their play will be legal.

The Bottom Line on US Lotteries

It was concluded in an opinion by VIRGINIA A. SEITZ, United States Assistant Attorney General about the states of New York and New Jersey, that lotteries do not form a part of the Wire Act which is the primary federal legislation governing interstate transactions.

The amendment to the Wire Act was a result of the growing use of the Internet. Though initially introduced in 2009, it was on the 20th of September 2011, when Seitz wrote a 13-page legal opinion that said 'nothing in the materials supplied by the Criminal Division suggests that the New York or Illinois lottery plans involve sports wagering, rather than garden-variety lotteries. Accordingly, we conclude that the proposed lotteries are not within the prohibition of the Wire Act.' In other words, the US federal government conceded the Wire Act only applied to sports betting.

This affects the concept of interstate purchasing of lottery tickets. How to win money gambling. There is no question that US citizens cannot play lotteries online internationally, but people are allowed to play lotteries online outside the US for games in the US. Some of the US states do have specific rules that prohibit foreigners from playing lotteries in their state, but it is clear where foreigners are welcome!

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Can Foreigners Play US Lotteries?

The California Lottery site is very specific and says 'It is not necessary to be a California resident, nor a US citizen to play and win any of the California Lottery‘s games, but a player does have to travel there to collect any big jackpot. Most good concierge services will help facilitate this.

In speaking to the Georgia State Lottery, they confirmed that a player would not have to be a resident but would have to fly down to Georgia to physically pick up their big jackpot if a player won US Powerball or Mega Millions. Oh – and they would have to pay the 30% Federal tax. Technically, players are supposed to buy the tickets themselves, but when I discussed getting a friend to do it for me, they assured me that was not an issue. Just to make sure that I either trusted the friend to hold my ticket for me or send it to me immediately (before the draw!).

The Texas State Lottery also confirmed no worries – come get your money! Funny, they also confirmed that this could be processed from outside of Texas with the proper form completed and identification provided. Forget that – if I won the big jackpot, I'd be on a plane to get my money!

Getting Technical on Tax

In a legal opinion by Martha L. Arias, Immigration and Internet Law Attorney, Miami, IBLS Director, she commented on the income tax implications of Israel residents who might win a lottery in the US. It was clarified that they can receive either their lump sum or annuity, but must pay federal tax applicable to foreigners (30%).

Stay Tuned to This Channel

Keep in mind folks that this is evolving legislation, but for now, I have talked to enough people and received information in writing that as long as you use an online lottery concierge that you trust, they will walk you through the correct legal process to claim your big jackpot!

Many of the FAQs and Terms & Conditions online are slightly out of date and do not reflect the current rules and regulations. Happily, I feel much more confident in giving US lotteries a serious thumbs up as well as our approved concierge lottery services.

That is the point – using a concierge lottery service that you trust and that will provide you with the necessary information to collect your jackpot.

Several US states have started to offer online lottery ticket sales through their official state lottery website. Our online state lottery guide will break down what states currently offer online lottery options and what states are currently trying to pass legislation to allow online lottery sales.

Online

44 States already have a domestic lottery service, and since a portion of state revenue often comes from these lottery sales, lawmakers want to increase accessibility to anyone of legal age. Below is a list of the US states and what lottery options they currently offer.

Site NameCurrent BonusStatesPlay
50% Max $100MI OnlyPlay Now
Review
$5 FreePA OnlyPlay Now
Review

States That Offer Official Lottery Ticket Sales Online

Georgia

Georgia approved online lottery sales in 2012 becoming the 3rd state in the country to allow online lottery sales. Players must be 18 years old and a Georgia resident to purchase online lottery tickets. The GA lottery will ask for identification verification upon signup.

Online Lottery Options: Draw Games, Keno & Diggi Games

Draw Games: Mega Millions, Powerball, Fantasy 5

Illinois

Illinois was the first state to legalize online lottery sales in 2012. Residents must register and purchase subscriptions to certain lottery games. Subscriptions range from 1-25 games. There are two types of games available online; Jackpot and Daily games.

Lottery

Online Lottery Options: Draw & Daily Games

Draw Games: Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto, Lucky Day Lotto

Kentucky

Since 2016, Kentucky has offered three types of online lottery games; draw games, jackpot, and instants online. Players must be 18 or older, have a valid Kentucky address, and be within the state borders to purchase online lottery tickets. Players must also sign-up for an online account.

Online Lottery Options: Draw Games & Keno

Draw Games: Powerball, Mega Millions, Cash Ball 225, Lucky For Life

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44 States already have a domestic lottery service, and since a portion of state revenue often comes from these lottery sales, lawmakers want to increase accessibility to anyone of legal age. Below is a list of the US states and what lottery options they currently offer.

Site NameCurrent BonusStatesPlay
50% Max $100MI OnlyPlay Now
Review
$5 FreePA OnlyPlay Now
Review

States That Offer Official Lottery Ticket Sales Online

Georgia

Georgia approved online lottery sales in 2012 becoming the 3rd state in the country to allow online lottery sales. Players must be 18 years old and a Georgia resident to purchase online lottery tickets. The GA lottery will ask for identification verification upon signup.

Online Lottery Options: Draw Games, Keno & Diggi Games

Draw Games: Mega Millions, Powerball, Fantasy 5

Illinois

Illinois was the first state to legalize online lottery sales in 2012. Residents must register and purchase subscriptions to certain lottery games. Subscriptions range from 1-25 games. There are two types of games available online; Jackpot and Daily games.

Online Lottery Options: Draw & Daily Games

Draw Games: Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto, Lucky Day Lotto

Kentucky

Since 2016, Kentucky has offered three types of online lottery games; draw games, jackpot, and instants online. Players must be 18 or older, have a valid Kentucky address, and be within the state borders to purchase online lottery tickets. Players must also sign-up for an online account.

Online Lottery Options: Draw Games & Keno

Draw Games: Powerball, Mega Millions, Cash Ball 225, Lucky For Life

Michigan

Potential players must be Michigan residents, 18 years old, and register for an account with the Michigan online lottery. The Michigan online lottery also offers promotional codes and a special bonus when signing up.

Online Lottery options: Draw, Keno, & Instant Games

Draw Games: Fantasy 5, Lotto 47, Mega Millions, Powerball

New Hampshire

New Hampshire passed an online gaming bill that includes the sale of online lottery tickets in 2017. Online ticket sales are not available at this time, but residents can expect online lottery options to become available soon. New Hampshire will require residents to register in person.

Online Lottery Options: online lottery launch pending

North Carolina

The North Carolina Education Lottery allows the sale of 4 draw games; MegaMillions, Powerball, Cash5, and Lucky for life. Purchases can be made from the official website.

Online Lottery Options: Draw games

Draw Games: Powerball, Lucky 4 Life, Mega Millions, Cash 5

Pennsylvania

Players must be 18 years old and within state lines to play. State visitors are permitted to play after registering on the official state lottery website.

Online Lottery options: Instant Play Games

Virginia

Is Online Lottery Legal In India

Virginia offers online lottery tickets through a subscription-based service. Must be a Virginia resident, 18 years or older and within the state borders to make an online purchase.

Is Online Lottery Legal

Online Lottery options: Draw Games (Subscription only)

Draw Games: Mega Millions, Powerball, Cash For Life

States Where Online Lottery Was Repealed

Minnesota

Minnesota launched online lottery sales in 2014 and banned online lottery sales in 2015. Minnesota was the first state to offer online sales, ATM sales, and lottery ticket sales at gas pumps.

Lawmakers were uncomfortable with the digital service and lobbied to pass a new law to end the non-traditional sales. The online service lasted for about year before the Minnesota State Legislature voted to end the online lottery service.

Lottery Options By State

Is Online Lottery Legal In Texas

STATESTATE LOTTERYONLINE LOTTERYPENDING LEGISLATION
AlabamaNoNoHB-112
AlaskaNoNoN/A
ArizonaYesNoN/A
ArkansasYesNoN/A
CaliforniaYesNoN/A
ColoradoYesNoN/A
ConnecticutYesNoSB-540
DelawareYesNoN/A
FloridaYesNoN/A
GeorgiaYesYesN/A
HawaiiNoNoSB-677
IdahoYesNoN/A
IllinoisYesYesSB-3582
IndianaYesNoN/A
IowaYesNoN/A
KansasYesNoN/A
KentuckyYesYesN/A
LouisanaYesNoN/A
MaineYesNoN/A
MarylandYesNoN/A
MassachusettsYesNoHB-135
SB-182
HB-126
MichiganYesYesN/A
MinnesotaYesNoN/A
MississippiNoNoSB-2288
MissouriYesNoN/A
MontanaYesNoN/A
NebraskaYesNoN/A
NevadaNoNoN/A
New HampshireYesYesN/A
New JerseyYesNoN/A
New MexicoYesNoN/A
New YorkYesNoN/A
North CarolinaYesYesN/A
North DakotaYesNoN/A
OhioYesNoN/A
OklahomaYesNoN/A
OregonYesNoN/A
PennsylvaniaYesYesN/A
Rhode IslandYesNoN/A
South CarolinaYesNoN/A
South DakotaYesNoN/A
TennesseeYesNoN/A
TexasYesNoN/A
UtahNoNoN/A
VermontYesNoN/A
VirginiaYesYesN/A
WashingtonYesNoN/A
West VirginiaYesNoN/A
WisconsinYesNoN/A
WyomingYesNoN/A
Washington DCYesNoN/A




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