Louisiana Lottery review (2026): 21+, public winners, 3% tax and claims

Who it’s for

The Louisiana Lottery suits adults aged 21 or older who want a state lottery with clear rules and local education funding, and who accept that winners are public. The minimum age is 21, higher than the 18 set by Colorado, Minnesota and Montana.

It is a weaker fit if you want privacy, a long claim window or online sales. We could not verify official online sales on the pages we checked.

How it works

The Louisiana Lottery Corporation has operated since 1991 from Baton Rouge. Games include Powerball at $2, drawing at 9:59 pm Central, and Mega Millions at $5, drawing at 10 pm Central. Louisiana Lotto costs $1 and draws on Wednesday and Saturday, with a jackpot from $500,000 in cash. Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5 range from 50 cents to $5.

Odds and value

Louisiana Lotto publishes both jackpot and any-prize odds: 1 in 5,245,786 for the jackpot and 1 in 34.4 for any prize. That is far better jackpot odds than Powerball’s 1 in 292,201,338, though the prize starts at $500,000 rather than millions.

Its any-prize odds are weaker than Colorado Cash 5’s 1 in 6.2 or Maine’s Megabucks Plus at 1 in 5.9. Mega Millions is 1 in 290,472,336 for the jackpot and 1 in 23 for any prize. See our methodology.

Trust and regulation

We found no regulatory actions against the lottery on the pages we checked. The helpline is 1-877-770-7867.

The lottery reports $194 million to the state treasury in FY2026, which ran from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026. The money funds K-12 education through the Minimum Foundation Program.

Claiming prizes and taxes

Draw games must be claimed within 180 days. Scratch-offs and Fast Play games have only 90 days after the game closes. Mark the date on any scratch-off you keep.

Withholding is 24% federal plus 3% Louisiana on prizes of $5,000 or more. Louisiana’s 3% is lower than Connecticut’s 6.99% or Minnesota’s 7.25%.

On privacy, prize records are public records, so winners are not anonymous. See the Louisiana state page.

Playing online

We could not verify official online sales, and our state data lists no courier apps for Louisiana. In practice, buying at a retailer is the route we can confirm. If a site offers to sell you Louisiana tickets, check that the lottery itself operates it. Powerball’s FAQ warns that lotteries may refuse to pay on tickets bought from other sites.

Our take

Louisiana is clear and local, and the funding is explained. The 21+ age is a protection some players will welcome. The public-winner rule and short windows, especially the 90 days on scratch-offs, are the drawbacks. Read the rules on the back of your ticket and set a reminder. Our guides cover how to track claim dates.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Louisiana Lottery 21+?

Yes. The minimum age is 21.

Can I stay anonymous if I win?

No. Prize records are public records.

How long do I have to claim?

180 days for draw games. 90 days after game close for scratch-offs and Fast Play.

How much tax is withheld?

24% federal plus 3% Louisiana on prizes of $5,000 or more.

Where does the money go?

To the state treasury, funding K-12 education through the Minimum Foundation Program. FY2026 was $194 million.