Last updated Written by Lottery reporter
The United States has no national lottery. Lotteries are run by the individual states, each with its own lottery and its own games. For the big jackpot games the states work together: Powerball is run by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL), Mega Millions by a consortium of state lotteries.
On this page: Powerball · Mega Millions · Millionaire for Life · Tax for foreign winners
Key facts
| Regulator | Each state’s own lottery commission |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 in most states; 19 in Nebraska; 21 in Arizona, Iowa and Louisiana |
| Federal tax | 24% withheld on prizes above $5,000 for US residents; 30% for non-residents |
| State tax | From 0% up to about 10.9%, depending on the state |
| Sales FY2025 | About $109 billion |
| To beneficiaries | $28.4 billion in FY2025, mainly education and state programs |
Law and regulation
Lotteries are legal in 45 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Five states have no lottery at all: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah. Each state lottery is regulated by its own state, so rules, age limits and prize claims differ per state.
Buying draw tickets online directly from the state lottery is only possible in a limited number of states, such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia and New Hampshire. Everywhere else you buy at an authorised retailer inside the state.
The main American lotteries
Powerball
Pick 5 numbers out of 69 plus 1 Powerball out of 26. Draws on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Powerball holds the world record: a jackpot of $2.04 billion, won in California in November 2022. Powerball rules and draws
Mega Millions
Since April 2025 a ticket costs $5 and includes a multiplier on every non-jackpot prize. Pick 5 numbers out of 70 plus 1 Mega Ball out of 24. Draws on Tuesday and Friday. The record is $1.602 billion, won in Florida in August 2023. Everything about Mega Millions
Millionaire for Life
A daily annuity game that replaced Cash4Life and Lucky for Life, both of which held their final draw on 21 February 2026. A ticket costs $5. Pick 5 numbers out of 58 plus 1 Millionaire Ball out of 5. The top prize is $1 million a year for life.
Lotto America and state games
Lotto America is a smaller multi-state game. On top of that, every state runs its own draw games and scratch-offs. Scratch-offs are by far the biggest category: about two thirds of all traditional lottery sales. An example of a large state lottery is Texas.
Frequently asked questions
Are lottery winnings taxed in the USA?
Yes. Unlike most of Europe, lottery winnings count as taxable income in the US. For US residents, 24% federal tax is withheld on prizes above $5,000, and the final federal rate can reach 37%. Most states add their own income tax; a few, such as Florida and Texas, have none. More in lottery tax by country.
What tax does a foreign winner pay?
Non-residents usually have a flat 30% federal tax withheld from the gross prize, plus any state tax. Residents of countries with a US tax treaty may qualify for a lower rate, and part of the withholding can sometimes be reclaimed by filing a US non-resident tax return.
Can tourists play American lotteries?
Yes. Anyone of the legal age can buy a ticket from an authorised retailer in a participating state. You don’t need to be a US citizen or resident to win or claim a prize.
Can I buy US lottery tickets online?
Only in states that sell draw tickets online through their own official platform, and only while you are physically in that state. From outside the US you cannot buy directly from a state lottery.
Sources: NASPL (sales and beneficiary figures FY2025), Mega Millions game rules April 2025, IRS rules on withholding for non-resident aliens. 18+ Play responsibly. Signs of a gambling problem