Several state-operated lotteries have been cropping up since December 2011, when the US Department of Justice stated the only type of online betting prohibited in the United States is sports betting.
There are now six US states where online lotteries have been legalized. These have been joined by a handful of iLottery mobile applications, too.
Overview of real-money online lottery apps
| State | Real-money app? | Min. iOS version | iOS download | Min. Android version | Android download |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | Yes | 10.0 | 48.1 MB | 5.0 | 6.0 MB |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | 9.0 | 19.8 MB | 4.0 | 9.9 MB |
| Illinois | Yes | 8.0 | 7.3 MB | 4.0 | 5.0 MB |
| Kentucky | Yes | 7.0 | 44.4 MB | 4.0 | 54.2 |
| Georgia | Yes | 8.0 | 42.1 | 5.0 | 62.2 |
| New Hampshire | No | - | - | - | - |
Michigan
Available on both iOS and Android, Michigan Lottery’s mobile application was created and published in-house by Michigan Lottery.
Apple devices must be running iOS 10.0 or higher to run the app. Devices that can run iOS 10.0 are the iPhone 5 and above; iPad 4th generation; iPad Air; iPad Mini 2 and above; and the iPod Touch 6th generation and above. The app can be downloaded from the App Store.
Android (Sony, Samsung devices) must be running version 5.0– Lollipop, released in 2014– or higher. Since Google does not allow online lottery apps in the Google Play Store, Android users must download the app directly from the Michigan Lottery website.
If you are a first-time player, you can claim a registration welcome bonus. This gives you access to a 50% bonus credit on your first deposit, up to $100. Bonus funds cannot be withdrawn and can only be used to buy lottery tickets.
There are no app-specific bonuses available on the Michigan Online Lottery.
Games on Michigan’s iLottery app include Powerball, Mega Millions, and the Daily Spin to Win, and close to 60 instant-win games.
Deposits can be made via the app’s settings located in the top-left corner. Using credit and debit cards, or PayPal, and Neteller you can deposit and withdraw funds with a verified account.
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Online Lottery launched their mobile application in June 2018.
To install the app, iOS users must be running iOS 9.0 or higher. This version of iOS covers a broader spectrum of devices, including the iPhone 4S; iPad Mini; iPad Air; and iPod Touch 5th generation. Android users must be running Android version 4.0 – Ice Cream Sandwich.
Pennsylvania’s mobile app can be downloaded from the App Store for iOS users, or installed as a third-party app by Android users. You can also text APP to 66835 or enter a phone number on the Pennsylvania iLottery website to download the app.
If you are a first-time player, you qualify for a $5 free bonus if you register your account through the lottery website or mobile application. The bonus funds must be used to purchase tickets within two days from being credited and cannot be redeemed for cash. Use Pennsylvania bonus code and registration link to receive the bonus.
At present, the selection of games available is limited to over a dozen instant games. As the app matures, it is likely a wider selection will be added, including Powerball and Mega Millions. Other in-app functions include the ability to check if a ticket’s a winner, view Keno drawings, and read lottery news.
Mobile payment methods include debit cards, ACH, and PayNearMe.
Illinois
Illinois’ iLottery app– launched in January 2014– is available to AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon customers only.
For use on an iOS device, version 8.0 or above must be installed. Android devices require version 4.0 or higher.
Apple-device users can download the app from the App Store. Android users must download it from the lottery website and install as a third-party application.
The Illinois Online Lottery does not offer its first-time players a registration bonus. There are regular promotions through the website during key times of the year, such as Christmas.
Through the app, you can buy tickets for Powerball, Mega Millions, and the Illinois state lottery. You can also subscribe to Pick 3, Pick 4, and the Lucky Day Lotto. Other in-app functions include a numbers checker and a news feed.
Deposits can be made using popular credit and debit cards, and withdrawals can be made to a savings or checking account or as a check by mail.
Kentucky
Created by KLC Mobile, the Kentucky Online Lottery mobile app was launched in December 2017.
Support for the Kentucky iLottery app on iOS goes all the way back to the iPhone 4 and iPad 2. Android users will require Ice Cream Sandwich, version 4.0 or higher. The downloading process is the same as in all other states.
The Kentucky Lottery offers new players a first deposit bonus. When you make an initial deposit of $50 or more, either through the website or mobile app, you will be credited with $25 in Bonus Bucks that can be used on any of the lottery’s online games, including Keno, Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life, and Kentucky Cash Ball 225, in addition to the lottery’s instant game collection.
Mobile deposits can be made using VISA and Mastercard credit and debit cards. Withdrawals are processed through direct bank deposits and checks.
Georgia
The Georgia iLottery app was released in 2013 and was developed and launched by IGT Global Solutions Corporation.
To run the app, iOS users require iOS 8.0 or higher, and Android users need Android 5.0, Lollipop. If you are an iOS user, you can download it from the App Store. For Android, it must be downloaded as a third-party application.
There are no active registration bonuses or promo codes available for either the Georgia online lottery website or mobile app.
You can use the app to buy tickets for Mega Millions, Powerball, Keno, and Fantasy 5. Georgia Lottery’s Diggi Games – a library of interactive instant games- can also be accessed. The app does not support entry into second-chance drawings.
Deposits and withdrawals are handled through the lottery’s iHOPE Discover debit card, which can be topped up using VISA/Mastercard debit cards and savings accounts. Prizes are credited back to that same card and can be withdrawn at ATMs.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire only recently signed its online lottery bill into law on June 29, 2017, and as a result, it is not yet possible to play the New Hampshire Lottery online or through an app – except for buying long-term subscriptions to international and multi-state draw lotteries.
It is expected that online functionality, including a mobile app, will appear towards the end of 2018 or early 2019.