Serious gamblers looking to mix luck with strategy are increasingly turning to online lotteries—and in the U.S., there are more options than ever before.
While lottery games have been part of American culture since the 1700s, the legal landscape has evolved dramatically. In 1934, Puerto Rico became the first U.S. territory to legalize a government-run lottery. Thirty years later, New Hampshire became the first official U.S. state to launch a state-sanctioned lottery. Fast-forward to today, and 44 states plus three U.S. territories now operate their lotteries.
Online lotteries, however, are a more recent addition. Thanks to a 2011 clarification by the U.S. Department of Justice that limited the scope of the Wire Act to sports betting, states gained the green light to launch legal online lottery platforms. Currently, seven states offer official online lottery services: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, and New Hampshire. For players serious about maximizing their lottery experience, here are some of the most popular and trusted online lottery platforms in the U.S.
Virginia Lottery (Available in Virginia)
Virginia Lottery’s online platform is run directly by the state and is considered one of the most secure and reliable ways to buy lottery tickets online. All tickets purchased through the app or website are backed by the state of Virginia, offering peace of mind for serious gamblers.
While the number of instant-win games is limited compared to other states, the Virginia Lottery offers a wide variety of draw games and promotions like deposit match bonus for the VA lottery, and its payouts are processed quickly.
Jackpocket (Available in NJ, CO, NY, MN, NH, WA, OH, OR, TX)
Jackpocket is not a traditional lottery site. It operates as a lottery courier service, purchasing physical tickets from licensed retailers on behalf of players.
It launched in New Jersey in 2019 and remains the first digital lottery courier approved by the NJ Lottery. Once a ticket is purchased, it’s scanned and uploaded to the user’s account. If a player wins, Jackpocket handles prize collection and payout logistics. The mobile app is sleek, user-friendly, and supported across Android and iOS platforms.
Jackpocket is especially popular in New Jersey, recently launching a companion online casino platform.
PA iLottery (Available in Pennsylvania)
Operated by the Pennsylvania Lottery, PA iLottery is a state-backed online platform offering a wide range of instant-win and draw games. The app features over 150 instant games, including high-paying titles with jackpots climbing into the millions.
Deposits and withdrawals are smooth, with support for multiple payment options. Players looking for high payouts and game variety will find PA iLottery one of the most rewarding lottery platforms in the U.S.
Michigan Lottery (Available in Michigan)
The Michigan Lottery is one of the country’s most robust online lottery platforms. Operated by the Michigan Bureau of State Lottery, it offers more than 160 instant-win games and draw tickets for national games like Powerball and Mega Millions.
The platform has generous promotional offers, including welcome bonuses on initial deposits and recurring offers for regular players. Michigan Lottery’s user interface is easy to navigate, and its game catalog is regularly updated with new releases.
theLotter (Available in CO, MN, OR, TX)
theLotter is a unique platform offering access to over 50 different lottery games from both the U.S. and international markets. As a courier service, theLotter buys tickets on behalf of users and delivers scanned copies to their accounts. The platform is available in several states, including Oregon and Texas, and is known for giving players access to massive international jackpots.
Although app functionality is limited in some regions (such as Minnesota), theLotter is widely considered one of the best platforms for global lottery access.
Final Thoughts
Online lotteries in the U.S. are no longer just a novelty—they’re a viable option for serious gamblers seeking convenience, variety, and big payout opportunities. Whether you’re chasing a billion-dollar jackpot on the Michigan Lottery or exploring international draws with theLotter, today’s top platforms offer something for every kind of player.