Official lottery websites are the only place to buy tickets online in many states. The state-run sites are generally safe and offer simple ways to access tickets and results. Buying tickets online is also much more efficient than buying them at a land-based venue.

Online lottery subscriptions vary in price based on how many drawings are available. Most state-sponsored online lotteries charge the same amount as in the real world. Some offer instant win scratch cards as well.

In the United States, lottery players must be a resident of the state where they want to play. Many states do not permit online lottery games, but there are some that do. These include Colorado, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

The Hoosier Lottery offers a variety of local draw games. Other multi-state games include Mega Millions and Powerball. West Virginia residents can also play three in-house games.

Arizona’s lottery is operated by the Multi-State Lottery Association. Its proceeds are distributed to various public causes. Currently, about 30 percent of lottery profits go to local schools and programs. Ticket sales are taxed in all states.

Several states are considering expanding their online reach. Washington DC launched its iLottery in February 2021. Although Hawaii does not have its own state-run lottery, it is possible to purchase tickets from other states. Those traveling to states that offer legal online lotteries should check their state’s official site for promotional offers.

Hawaii’s lottery has been a controversial issue for more than a century. The state’s gambling laws were introduced in 1959. However, they have never felt the need to compete with lottery ticket sales.