If you’ve ever played the lottery and dreamed of winning millions, an online lottery could be your ticket to the American dream. But what are the legal hurdles to running an online lottery? Is the federal Wire Act a bar to it? This was one of the questions states shied away from when the idea first came along, and the Justice Department issued a clarification in late 2011.
There are many advantages to playing an online lottery. First of all, it’s easy to play! There’s no waiting in line to purchase a ticket! The lottery site can even send you an email to let you know that you’ve won. And in case you do win, you’ll be notified by email, SMS, direct deposit, and in person. Unlike the traditional lottery, the online lottery offers you more flexibility to play.
Second, the security measures that online lotteries employ are much more robust. Most of the authorized online lottery websites use geolocation technology to detect players from out of state while you’re buying a ticket. So far, over a dozen states have approved online lottery sales and more are likely to follow suit in the near future. However, some users are concerned that a scam might take advantage of their locality. In reality, it is far better to play a lottery in a state that allows it.
While the history of online lotteries in the United States is still fairly new, seven states currently offer an online lottery. Federal legislation is still largely unclear, but states will make their own decisions as they see fit. Despite the shaky beginnings, there is still a long way to go before laws are fully clarified. You should familiarize yourself with the prize structures before you try your luck! There are many advantages to playing an online lottery, but you must remember that you’re taking a gamble!