In the United States, the Minimum Lottery Ticket Age Is Usually 18
The minimum age to buy a lottery ticket in most U.S. jurisdictions is 18. Rules checked on ****.
The age limit is set by the state or jurisdiction where you buy the ticket. Most states allow people to buy lottery tickets at 18, but some require buyers to be 19 or 21.
| State or jurisdiction | Minimum age to buy lottery tickets |
|---|---|
| Most states that sell lottery tickets | 18 |
| Nebraska | 19 |
| Arizona | 21 |
| Iowa | 21 |
| Louisiana | 21 |
| Mississippi | 21 |
Nebraska law prohibits people under 19 from buying or redeeming lottery tickets.
Arizona, Iowa, Louisiana and Mississippi require lottery players to be at least 21.
Does the Age Rule Apply to Powerball and Mega Millions?
Yes. The minimum age for Powerball and Mega Millions is determined by the jurisdiction where you buy the ticket. Visitors must meet the age requirement in the state where they make the purchase.
For example:
- An 18-year-old can buy a Powerball ticket in a state with an 18-year minimum.
- An 18-year-old cannot buy a Powerball ticket in Arizona, Iowa, Louisiana or Mississippi.
- A 19-year-old can buy a ticket in Nebraska but cannot buy one in a state that requires buyers to be 21.
Will You Need Identification?
You may need identification. A retailer can ask for a valid photo ID if you appear close to the minimum age.
Arizona requires players to be at least 21 and able to present valid identification when buying or redeeming lottery tickets. Louisiana self-service lottery machines also verify that players are at least 21 by scanning an ID.