How to play the District of Columbia Lottery online

The District of Columbia Lottery sells some games online directly. That's the one option that ends with a real state-issued ticket in your account with no middleman — so it's where we start. Couriers and other online products exist here too, and a few of them are legitimate, but they're a different category of purchase.

1

Do you have to be in District of Columbia to play?

Yes — you need to be physically inside District of Columbia.

Both the official site and any licensed courier verify your physical location before they'll take an order. Geolocation checks prevent purchases from outside the state, regardless of your residency or account address. If you're visiting from out of state, you can still play while you're physically inside District of Columbia.

2

How old do you have to be?

18+ in District of Columbia.

18+ for the official lottery and licensed couriers in District of Columbia. If you're considering a sweepstakes-style alternative, a few of those require 21+ instead — worth a quick check before you sign up.

3

Is a courier the same as buying from the official lottery?

No. The state lottery is the only direct sale.

No. The District of Columbia Lottery is the only entity that actually sells you a ticket online. Anything else you see — couriers, sweepstakes, scratch-style apps — is a different product. Useful, sometimes. But not the same thing.