The Online Lottery Association is the sole regulating body of online lotteries in the US. Each state lottery board shall appoint a lottery director, who may also be a member of the association. All lottery directors have the authority to administer and manage each state lottery program, including advising players on correct choices for their game of choice.
Each day, gamblers can check in at any of the offices that are located throughout the state to participate in a game of chance. Online lotteries function in 45 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Lotteries represent one of our nation’s oldest forms of gambling, having roots dating back to the 1700’s. Today there are many online lotteries in operation.
There are a number of companies which offer lotteries through the Internet, however these are operated through an agency or broker, not through the Internet itself. Most of these companies require players to register and pay an annual or monthly fee. Online lotteries that allow multiple winners may require a deposit of an equal amount to accommodate circumstances where one or more of the same person or group of persons win. Some allow single winners to transfer their tickets and join other players who have already won.
Once you register, it is your responsibility to make timely payment, or close to when the withdrawal time expires, of any fees, winnings, taxes, or interest due. Payments are usually made by direct deposit into your bank account. Payments are accepted through credit cards, money orders, travelers checks and personal checkbooks. No refunds will be issued for cash/credit card winnings.
Upon winning a prize through a lottery, you will receive written confirmation that will detail exactly how much money was won, the name of the winning person or group, and if it is a cash prize. Payments may be made either by check or cash, depending on your preference. Payments are expected to be made within five business days. If the winnings are in a multiple-player game, the check will be cashed within five business days after the win. Payments may be made by check or in person with a lottery ticket broker.
Online lotteries and online sweepstakes that require players to use scratch cards or coupon books are not considered “lotto gaming.” Rather, they are scams that take advantage of unsuspecting individuals. Legitimate lotteries and sweepstakes award real cash or prizes, while scams give away gift certificates, e-coupons, merchandise, or services. Play these lotteries online using reputable companies that provide secure payment methods such as PayPal, Google Checkout, Bank Wire, Moneybookers, or ClickBank.