The Kentucky Lottery’s current definition of an online game is one in which tickets are purchased through a network of computer terminals at retail outlets – games such as Pick 3, Mega Millions and Powerball.

That definition, however, could change in light of a recent ruling by the U.S. Department of Justice, which puts the regulation of online gaming squarely in the hands of the states.

As of now, selling lottery tickets via the Internet would violate state law, according to the Kentucky Lottery’s website. But a legal opinion published Friday says oversight of online betting unrelated to sporting events is not a federal issue and should be left to states, potentially opening the door for Kentucky to rewrite its definition of online betting.

Gov. Steve Beshear’s stance on online gambling is unclear. He is, however, expected to make a push during the upcoming legislative session for expanded gambling through casinos. Among Beshear’s goals is for a proposed constitutional amendment on expanded gambling to go before Kentucky voters in a ballot referendum.

A Tuesday request for comment from Beshear’s office was passed on to the Justice Cabinet, which handles online gambling issues, according to Beshear spokeswoman Kerri Richardson.

“At this time, doesn’t look like we will have a comment,” Richardson said in an email to the Daily News.

Later Tuesday afternoon, Jennifer Brislin, spokeswoman for the Justice Cabinet, said state officials hadn’t yet seen the official statement by the Department of Justice, so they could not comment on how Kentucky might handle future decisions on online betting.

Nearby states are already getting on board with state-regulated online gambling.

According to The Associated Press, Illinois Lottery Superintendent Michael Jones said he hopes Illinois can begin selling online tickets within the next four months. Lottery officials will meet in the coming days and develop a plan to design a secure website that’s accessible to Illinois residents over 18.

In fiscal year 2011, the Kentucky Lottery generated $771,177,383 in sales, about $200,000 less than fiscal year 2010. However, dividends to the state increased by 2 percent, even though the $204.8 million dividend total in 2011 was down from $214.3 million in 2010.

Warren County generated $17,365,534 in lottery sales.

Officials at the Kentucky Lottery could not be reached for comment.