Lottery guides
Everything the ticket does not tell you, written from the official rules and tax guidance.
Basics
- Sweepstakes vs Lottery vs RaffleThree kinds of prize draw, three sets of rules. Learn how prize, chance and consideration separate them, and how to find the free entry in a sweepstakes.
- The best US sweepstakes and prize draws in 2026Twelve US sweepstakes, raffles and prize draws ranked by our overall score, with price, free-entry method and top prize for each, from Coca-Cola to PrizeWave.
Odds
- How Lottery Odds WorkOverall odds, jackpot odds and why the two numbers tell very different stories. Real figures for Powerball, Mega Millions and three smaller games.
- Powerball vs Mega MillionsHow the two biggest US jackpot games compare on price, odds, draw days, add-ons and where you can buy them, including what changed when Mega Millions went to $5.
Taxes
Claiming
- Can Lottery Winners Stay Anonymous?Whether you can keep your name private after a big win depends on the state where you bought the ticket. Here is how several states handle it.
- How to Claim a Lottery PrizeSign the ticket, know your deadline, and go to the right office. A plain guide to claiming small and large lottery prizes, with real state deadlines.
Playing online
- Is It Legal to Buy Lottery Tickets Online?Official state iLottery sites, courier apps and offshore websites are three different things. Here is which are legal, where, and what to watch for.
- Lottery Courier Apps ExplainedWhat a lottery courier does, what it charges, where it is licensed, and what happens if you win big. A plain guide to Jackpocket, Lotto.com and the rest.
Safety
- How to Spot a Lottery ScamYou cannot win a lottery you did not enter, and no real lottery charges a fee to release a prize. The warning signs, and what to do if you are targeted.
- Responsible Play and Setting LimitsWhere to get help, what limits official lottery sites offer, how age limits differ by state, and simple habits for keeping play within budget.