Washington's Lottery review (2026): public records, claims and odds

Who it’s for

Washington’s Lottery suits players who buy in person and are comfortable with the possibility of being named. It is a poor fit for anyone who wants guaranteed privacy or an official online option. We found no stated minimum age on the pages we checked.

How it works

Washington’s Lottery is a public agency headquartered in Olympia and is subject to the Public Records Act. Our fact sheet lists two draw games, Powerball at $2 and Mega Millions at $5. We did not record the state’s other games.

That narrow list reflects what we could verify, not necessarily everything the lottery sells.

Odds and value

Both games carry the national odds. Powerball’s jackpot is 1 in 292,201,338 and any prize is 1 in 24.87. Mega Millions is 1 in 290,472,336 and 1 in 23. Because we have no Washington-only game in the table, the value comparison with other states rests on the rules around the ticket. See the methodology.

Trust and regulation

We found no regulatory actions on the pages we checked. The helpline is 1-800-GAMBLER.

Being a public agency is a transparency benefit, since its records are open, but it is also the reason winners can be named. We did not verify where the proceeds go, so we do not say.

Claiming prizes and taxes

Prizes must be claimed within 180 days. Winners who choose between an annuity and cash have 60 days to decide. Prizes over $100 million are claimed at headquarters in Olympia.

Federal tax of 24% is withheld on prizes over $5,000, or 30% for non-citizens. We did not find a stated state tax rate and do not state one.

On privacy, the lottery says it cannot guarantee anonymity. A winner can claim through a trust, but their name may still be exposed. That is the same position as Louisiana, Rhode Island and DC, and unlike Delaware. See the Washington state page.

Playing online

We could not verify official online sales, and our state data lists no courier apps for Washington. Jackpocket does not list Washington among its states.

If you see a site offering Washington tickets, remember Powerball’s FAQ warning that lotteries may refuse to pay on tickets bought from any site other than their own.

Our take

The trust route deserves a caution. Claiming through a trust may reduce exposure, but the lottery itself says names may still be exposed, so it is not a substitute for advice from a lawyer. If you expect a large prize, ask the lottery how it handles trust claims before you buy.

Washington’s claim page is clear and the trust option is useful, but the lack of privacy and online sales will rule it out for some. A player who wants to buy in person and does not mind being named will find a plain, workable lottery. Our guides cover claiming through a trust.

Frequently asked questions

Can I stay anonymous if I win in Washington?

Not reliably. You can claim through a trust, but your name may still be exposed.

How long do I have to claim?

180 days.

How long do I have to choose between cash and annuity?

60 days.

How much federal tax is withheld?

24% on prizes over $5,000, or 30% for non-citizens.

Can I buy online?

We could not verify official online sales.