FAQ 

General Frequently Asked Questions about Lotteries in USA

Sarah Reynolds

FAQ

Q1. What is your website about?

Our website provides you information about USA lotteries, and the state run lotteries of USA. Also you will find Lottery Winning stories, News and Related Posts for you to enjoy.

Q2. What is your Astro Predict Page About?

It is a page which will guide you to your lucky numbers monthly and you may try your luck using these number predictions for playing lottery.

Q3.  Where is the Powerball USA Lottery draw held?

Orlando, USA

Q4. What days of the week are the draws of Powerball USA Lottery held?

Wednesday and Saturday

Q5. Where is the MegeMillion Lottery draw held?

Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Q6. What days of the week are the MegeMillion Lottery draws held?

Tuesday and Friday

Q7. I have a question that is not mentioned in the FAQ’s

If you have further questions that have not been addressed in this section please feel free to contact us.

Q8. Can USA lottery tickets be purchased online?

Yes. Few online websites allows you to purchase lottery tickets online. They buy your ticket in-store on your behalf, allowing you to play the lottery online.

Q9. Can US lottery tickets be purchased from out of the US?

Yes. Although there are no authorized lottery retailers based outside of the US, online lottery websites allows you to purchase US state and national lottery tickets from anywhere in the world.

Q10. What taxes are non-US citizens subject to after lottery wins?

Should a non-US citizen win a lottery prize, they are subject to federal withholding taxes for non-US citizens, which is 30% of their winnings. While this amount may vary depending on which state the winning ticket is claimed in, the amount that non-US citizens are taxed is very similar to that which is applied to US citizens.

Q11. In which states is Powerball available?

You can purchase buy Powerball tickets from anywhere in the world via lottery websites that are authorized to sell USA Lottery tickets.  However, you can also buy Powerball tickets from authorized retailers in the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virgin Islands, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. You can also visit the Multi-State Lottery Association’s FAQ page for further information.

Q12. In which states is Mega Millions available?

You can play Mega Millions online, regardless of where you live, through online lottery websites that are authorized to sell USA Lottery tickets.  However, you can also purchase tickets in the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virgin Islands, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Q13. Can more than one person share a lottery prize?

Yes, there have been many examples of winners sharing their prizes among a group. Lottery players often like to team up, as it can increase their overall chances of winning. Rules regarding group wins can vary between lotteries, so it’s worth checking with the particular lottery that you’re interested in playing. Powerball, for example, are happy for players to divide their prize among a group and can do this regardless of whether the cash or annuity options are chosen. They can even pay some group players in cash and others in annual payments, if required.

Q14. Are lottery prizes subject to taxation?

Yes. US citizens are subject to tax on all income that amounts to more than $600, including gambling wins. The jackpots advertised are the amount that a winning player would receive if they chose the annuity option, but even this amount would be subject to Federal and State income tax every time that you receive a payment.

Q15. What are the payouts for Mega Millions?

  • 5 + bonus = $15 million minimum jackpot!
  • 5 + no bonus = $1,000,000 minimum win
  • 4 + bonus = $5,000 minimum win
  • 4 + no bonus = $500 minimum win
  • 3 + bonus = $50 minimum win
  • 3 + no bonus = $5 minimum win
  • 2 + bonus = $5 minimum win
  • 1 + bonus = $2 minimum win
  • 0 + bonus = $1 minimum win

Q16. What are the payouts for the Powerball?

  • Match 5 + POWERBALL = $40 million minimum jackpot!
  • Match 5 + NO POWERBALL = $1,000,000
  • Match 4 + POWERBALL = $10,000
  • Match 4 + NO POWERBALL = $100
  • Match 3 + POWERBALL = $100
  • Match 3 + NO POWERBALL = $7
  • Match 2 + POWERBALL = $7
  • Match 1 + POWERBALL = $4
  • Match 0 + POWERBALL = $4

Q17. Do US lottery players have to choose the cash or annuity option before buying the ticket? Why can’t players make their choice when they claim their prize?

The rules regarding cash or annuity options vary between lotteries. Players can choose from the cash/annuity options when either purchasing a ticket, or claiming a jackpot prize. For example, Mega Millions and Powerball lottery winners choose once they have won the jackpot.

Q18. Why is the cash amount of the Powerball jackpot less than the annuity amount?

The annuity amount is the value of the cash amount invested in securities over 25 years.

Q19. Who can play the Lottery?

As long as you’re 18 years or older, you can play. You can check in our State Lottery pages about the age that different USA States offer.

Q20. How many states have a lottery?

46