Online lotteries have become popular in many US states. Unlike the traditional lottery, which is run by the government, the online lottery is run by a private business. Online lotteries still offer the same services as the traditional lottery, like purchasing lottery entries, but they offer more games. In addition, you can play online lotteries on mobile devices.
The online lottery system has grown and developed over time thanks to advancements in technology. However, players should still be aware of their state’s legal restrictions. In the US, the first official lottery was established in 1934 in Puerto Rico. The state of New Hampshire followed in 1964 with its own lottery. In Illinois, players can purchase lottery tickets online since 2012.
While the history of online lotteries in the United States is relatively new, it is becoming more popular, and several states are moving toward legalizing online lottery operations. New Hampshire, for example, legalized its online lottery last summer. Today, New Hampshire lottery players can play e-Instant games from their desktop, tablet, or smartphone. Other states are moving in this direction as well, including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.
Purchasing tickets for online lotteries can be convenient and secure. Most online lotteries allow payments via debit and credit cards. Visa and MasterCard are the most common types of cards accepted. Some also accept payments through PayPal. Regardless of your preferred method, online lotteries will notify winners via email or SMS. In some cases, winners can even pick up their winnings in person.
If you are new to online lottery operations, a white-label lottery platform provider can be a good solution. These platforms provide a basic online lottery website with features you can customize. This solution is a great option for new operators who do not have a lot of resources. White-label providers can also help you develop your brand identity. They will customize their services and games to match your company’s branding. They can even build a basic online lottery website for you in a short period of time. However, this solution has a few limitations. The games they provide will be limited and they may not have the same variety as other operators in the market.
Creating your own lottery platform is an expensive and time-consuming process. You will need to constantly update the software, monitor bugs, and incorporate new technologies. Essentially, you will be running a software development business. This leaves little time to focus on marketing and revenue growth. Besides that, you’ll need to manage a staff and deal with all kinds of administrative tasks.
Fortunately, states are starting to embrace online lotteries. Until recently, only a handful of jurisdictions offered online lottery games. However, a new rule was passed by the Georgia legislature in June 2012. As a result, the state became the second state in the country to allow lottery sales online.