Can an undocumented immigrant collect Powerball or Mega Millions lottery prizes?
To collect a lottery prize, you must meet several requirements. Find out if undocumented immigrants are eligible.
Mega Millions and Powerball aren’t just household names—they’re the crown jewels of American lotteries. With jackpots regularly soaring into the hundreds of millions—and occasionally smashing past the billion-dollar mark—they’ve become a national obsession. In fact, Powerball holds the record for the largest jackpot in US history: a staggering $2.04 billion won in November 2022.
With such life-changing sums on the line, it’s no surprise that many wonder: Can undocumented immigrants legally buy tickets and claim lottery winnings in the US?
Can Undocumented Immigrants Claim Lottery Prizes?
Yes, they can—but there are important caveats.
According to Powerball’s official website, you don’t need to be a US citizen or legal resident to play. However, each state runs its own lottery system and sets its own rules for claiming prizes. So while the door is open, there are a few key requirements:
- Buy the ticket in the US: The lottery ticket must be purchased within the United States or in an approved jurisdiction. Tickets bought outside these areas are not valid, and state lotteries won’t honor them.
- Provide valid ID: If you’re undocumented, you’ll need to present official identification from your home country—such as a passport or government-issued ID—when claiming a prize.
- Tax ID may be required: Some states require winners to provide a taxpayer identification number (TIN) because lottery winnings are subject to federal taxes. In addition, many states also impose their own taxes on lottery prizes.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to play, check the prize claim rules for your specific state. Requirements can vary widely, and being informed ahead of time can save you a headache later.
When are the Powerball and Mega Millions draws held?
Powerball draws are held three times a week, every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET/9:59 p.m. CT/7:59 p.m. PT.
Powerball can be played in 45 states, except Alabama, Nevada, Utah, Hawaii, and Alaska. It can also be played in the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. The cost of a ticket is $2.
Meanwhile, Mega Millions can be played in almost every state in the United States, except for Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. It can also be played in the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. These drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 p.m. ET. The cost of a ticket is $5.
The next Mega Millions draw is Friday, August 29, with an estimated jackpot of $277 million, with a cash option of approximately $124.6 million.
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