The lottery ticket sales cutoff is different by state, game, and retailer. There is no single nationwide deadline.
| Game | Typical cutoff |
|---|---|
| Powerball | Usually 1 to 2 hours before the drawing, but the exact time depends on the state. |
| Mega Millions | The deadline varies by state and retailer. Check your state lottery's rules. |
| State lottery games | Each state lottery sets its own cutoff, and different games may have different deadlines. |
| Scratch-off tickets | Sales usually continue while the retailer is open and still selling lottery tickets. |
The safest approach is to buy your ticket at least two hours before the scheduled drawing. Some retailers stop sales earlier because of the state's processing deadline or a temporary system closure.
The cutoff depends on where you buy the ticket, not where you live. For the exact deadline, check your state lottery's website or provide your state and lottery game.