Charles Langston:Can you buy Powerball tickets online? Here are the states that allow it

I used to think I was clever passing up convenience-store or Charles Langstongas-station lines by buying Powerball or Mega Millions tickets at my local grocery store. People rarely stood in front of the big lottery machine, which quickly gobbled down my dollars and spat out my tickets.

But then I started thinking: "My state offers online sports betting now. Can I also buy lottery tickets online?"

The answer: Yes, it does let me buy lottery tickets online.

But online lottery options aren't as common as it might seem. There's a way to play or purchase tickets online in just over half the 45 states that offer Powerball and Mega Millions.

States where you can buy Powerball and Mega Millions tickets online

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Why I purchase Powerball tickets online now

Many state legislatures clearly recognize the value to retailers of extra shoppers buying lottery tickets – especially when jackpots grow over $1 billion as Powerball is now.

But for someone like me who is allergic to standing in lines and wants control of his number selection, the retail environment is not for me. And, yes, I understand how terrible the odds are for anyone playing Powerball or Mega Millions – regardless of how much I think I'm gaming the game.

Besides being convenient, online lotteries let you visit several websites, including ours to make a slightly more educated guesses about which numbers might win.

Note: Several states that don't offer online purchases do have apps that allow you to select your numbers. Those numbers can be transmitted to lottery machines or a cashier when purchasing your tickets.

State lotteries where you can play Powerball and Mega Millions

The map above seems simple enough, but only 10 states' lotteries actually allow online purchases. Click on any of the 10 boxes below to visit the states' online web sites.

Where can you buy lottery tickets from lottery couriers

If your state's lottery doesn't offer an online option, a few other businesses such as Jackpocket and TheLotter are filling that void in 18 other places. Click on one of the blue boxes below to visit their sites.

Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, operates in 16 states (above), Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. While using your phone or home computer, both companies let you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings. 

Remember your odds are are impossibly high to win either jackpot: 1 in 302.6 million for the Mega Millions and 1 in 292.2 million for Powerball. But if you spend a little time curating your numbers for your online purchase, maybe you'll be able to dream a little bigger before the next draw.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms and conditions.