How lottery rules differ across the U.S.
Because lotteries are run state by state, the rules — including how and where you can play — vary by location. Here’s the big picture, with your state page for the specifics.
There is no single national lottery
The United States doesn’t have one country-wide lottery. Each state, plus Washington, D.C., decides whether to run a lottery, which games to offer and how tickets are sold. National jackpot games such as Powerball and Mega Millions are shared across the participating states, but the rules around them are set locally.
States without a lottery
A handful of states have historically chosen not to operate a statewide lottery: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah. In those places there are no official in-state draw games, and the national games are not sold there.
Always check the official source
Rules can and do change, and the details matter. Rather than relying on second-hand summaries, confirm what applies to you with your official state lottery. Our state directory links you to the right place for every state and D.C.
Note: this overview is general and educational. For the current, binding rules in your location, the official state lottery is always the final authority.
Frequently asked questions
Is there one national rule for lotteries?
No. Lotteries are organised state by state, so availability and rules differ depending on where you live. There is no single federal lottery.
Which states have no lottery at all?
A small number of states have historically not run a statewide lottery: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah.
How do I know the current rules where I live?
Your official state lottery is the authoritative source. Start from our state directory and follow the link to the official lottery for your state.