Online Lotto Legal
US Lotteries – Digging Deeper…
After receiving so much conflicting information regarding playing online lottery games like US Powerball and Mega Millions, it was time we took a serious look at what are the rules and regulations are for people residing outside the United States of America. The size of these jackpots is attracting attention, and serious lottery players want to know whether their play will be legal.
The Bottom Line on US Lotteries
A common question lottery players ask is related to legality of playing online. It’s a valid question since you could be buying a ticket to a lottery in a different country and obviously don’t know the laws of. There are two parts to this answer – can you buy a ticket online from your country, and does the lottery allow a non-resident to. Our customer service team is here to help. Fill out our online contact form, LIVE CHAT, or give us a call at (804) 692-7777 (option 3) for more information about playing Virginia Lottery games online. See our official online gaming rules. See our official online gaming promotion rules. The current legal situation for online lottery in India. The legal situation surrounding online lotteries in India is similar to the country’s stance on online gambling. Regarding purchasing online lotto tickets, there is not a national law on the books that expressly forbids it. However, the Indian government permits each state to make its.
It was concluded in an opinion by VIRGINIA A. SEITZ, United States Assistant Attorney General about the states of New York and New Jersey, that lotteries do not form a part of the Wire Act which is the primary federal legislation governing interstate transactions.
The amendment to the Wire Act was a result of the growing use of the Internet. Though initially introduced in 2009, it was on the 20th of September 2011, when Seitz wrote a 13-page legal opinion that said “nothing in the materials supplied by the Criminal Division suggests that the New York or Illinois lottery plans involve sports wagering, rather than garden-variety lotteries. Accordingly, we conclude that the proposed lotteries are not within the prohibition of the Wire Act.” In other words, the US federal government conceded the Wire Act only applied to sports betting.
This affects the concept of interstate purchasing of lottery tickets. There is no question that US citizens cannot play lotteries online internationally, but people are allowed to play lotteries online outside the US for games in the US. Some of the US states do have specific rules that prohibit foreigners from playing lotteries in their state, but it is clear where foreigners are welcome!
Can Foreigners Play US Lotteries?
The California Lottery site is very specific and says “It is not necessary to be a California resident, nor a US citizen to play and win any of the California Lottery‘s games, but a player does have to travel there to collect any big jackpot. Most good concierge services will help facilitate this.
In speaking to the Georgia State Lottery, they confirmed that a player would not have to be a resident but would have to fly down to Georgia to physically pick up their big jackpot if a player won US Powerball or Mega Millions. Oh – and they would have to pay the 30% Federal tax. Technically, players are supposed to buy the tickets themselves, but when I discussed getting a friend to do it for me, they assured me that was not an issue. Just to make sure that I either trusted the friend to hold my ticket for me or send it to me immediately (before the draw!).
The Texas State Lottery also confirmed no worries – come get your money! Funny, they also confirmed that this could be processed from outside of Texas with the proper form completed and identification provided. Forget that – if I won the big jackpot, I’d be on a plane to get my money!
Getting Technical on Tax
In a legal opinion by Martha L. Arias, Immigration and Internet Law Attorney, Miami, IBLS Director, she commented on the income tax implications of Israel residents who might win a lottery in the US. It was clarified that they can receive either their lump sum or annuity, but must pay federal tax applicable to foreigners (30%).
Stay Tuned to This Channel
Keep in mind folks that this is evolving legislation, but for now, I have talked to enough people and received information in writing that as long as you use an online lottery concierge that you trust, they will walk you through the correct legal process to claim your big jackpot!
Many of the FAQs and Terms & Conditions online are slightly out of date and do not reflect the current rules and regulations. Happily, I feel much more confident in giving US lotteries a serious thumbs up as well as our approved concierge lottery services.
That is the point – using a concierge lottery service that you trust and that will provide you with the necessary information to collect your jackpot.
- Legal Lottery
Legal lotteries and lottery laws vary by state within India. There are currently 13 states that allow lottery games, while the rest have banned them. There is no national ban, but following a 2015 decision by the State Supreme Court of India, individual states take the decision whether to allow lotteries or not. States have the authority to control lottery games in their particular jurisdiction (not internationally) and ensure that all lottery draws that take place are run fairly and comply with the rules and regulations of that particular game.
Lotteries are very popular in the states where they are allowed. The 13 Indian states that have their own lotteries are:
| Arunachal Pradesh | Assam | Goa | Kerala | Madhya Pradesh |
| Maharashtra | Manipur | Meghalaya | Mizoram | Nagaland |
| Punjab | Sikkim | West Bengal |
Previously, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu held successful lotteries, but these states have now banned the sale of lottery tickets.
Kerala State Lotteries is the oldest government-run lottery in India, and has been in operation since 1967. It offers weekly games as well as Bumper Lotteries held six times a year. The Punjab Lottery holds regular Bumper Lottery schemes throughout the year.
The biggest state lottery game in India is the Playwin Lottery, which is run by the Sikkim government and available in a number of states. To play this lottery you must be 18 years old or over and a resident of one of the following states: Arunchala Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Sikkim, and West Bengal. The Sikkim State Lottery also runs Bumper draws throughout the year.
Lotto India is a nationwide online lottery available for players throughout India and worldwide, with jackpots larger than some state lotteries.
Lotto Online Legalne
There are also many privately-run Indian lotteries, which operate online to get around the state bans. However, players run the risk of fraud, as operators are often anonymous and people frequently lose money from fake tickets or lottery scams.
International Lotteries
International lottiers like Powerball, Mega Millions, and EuroMillions offer huge jackpots, above the level available on Indian games - see the lottery comparison for more details. There is a safe, reliable way to play international lotteries that anyone in India can take part in - a lottery concierge service. Players can safely purchase tickets online from India for the top world lotteries without having to visit the USA or Europe. Because these draws are held outside India, buying lottery tickets online is legal throughout the country, regardless of the gambling laws in any particular state.
Players have won major international prizes via a lottery concierge, including a US lottery win of $30 million.
International Lottery FAQs
1. Can I play international lotteries from India?
Yes, you can play international lotteries such as Powerball and Mega Millions online. To read more about this facility, visit the How to Play page.
To Top2. How can I claim the winnings if I win an international lottery from India?
If you win a prize, you will receive a text message or email informing you of your win. Prizes are automatically paid into your online account soon after the draw has been made and you can choose to withdraw your winnings or use them to fund future ticket purchases.
Claiming a large prize is simple, as a player from Panama discovered in 2017 after winning the $30 million Florida Lotto jackpot.
To Top3. Can I transfer the money I have won to my bank account in India?
Yes. When you set up your online account, you will be required to choose one of the many methods available for funding your account. You can use a variety of methods to withdraw your winnings including Visa, Mastercard and Neteller. Alternatively, the winnings in your player account can be used to buy more tickets for future draws.
To Top4. Will the lottery ticket concierge service deduct a proportion of my winnings or take a commission?
No. Winnings are paid in full to the player, although you should check if your prize makes you liable for income tax in India.