The Illinois lottery is the first state in the union to offer lottery online play. After launching a pilot program in March 2012, the state soon added other games to its website, including Daily Lottery Games and Instant Games. The Illinois lottery has since expanded its website to offer Powerball lottery tickets online. The lottery also offers virtual sports betting, Keno, and scratch-off games.
Although the process of buying tickets online is similar to that of buying tickets at a brick-and-mortar lottery shop, online lottery sites usually charge a higher fee. These fees cover transaction fees and handling fees. In addition, many online lottery sites have a lower minimum purchase price. If you are a regular lottery player, you may prefer to avoid the online lottery websites and stick to traditional brick-and-mortar lotteries.
When choosing a lottery online, make sure to choose a site that is licensed by your state. This will ensure you that you are playing legally and safely. Although it is possible to find rogue lottery sites, it is safer to stick to licensed lottery sites. Legitimate lottery sites will also have secure payment options.
Online lottery sites make it convenient to cash your winnings. Some sites allow you to deposit your winnings directly into your bank account. However, if you win a prize that exceeds $600, you may need to visit an official lottery office. You may need to submit a claim form and identification documents. In some cases, you may also need to mail the winnings to an IRS-certified mail service.