How old do you have to be to play the lottery in California?

You must be 18 or older to buy a California lottery ticket.

How long do you have to claim a lottery prize in California?

180 days, per the lottery's published rules.

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State guide

By Daniel Whitfield, EditorFacts verified November 3, 2026

Age. You must be 18 or older to buy a ticket or claim a prize.
Claim window. Draw-game prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing. Miss it and the prize goes to the state's unclaimed-prize fund.
Online. Tickets are sold in person only. Courier apps that state they operate here: Mido Lotto.
Where the money goes. Net lottery revenues supplement public education funding in California.

Powerball · Mega Millions

California state lottery: Powerball and Mega Millions with pari-mutuel prizes; state payout rules not yet verified.

Best for: California players who want the national Powerball and Mega Millions draws.

State lottery: California Lottery
Minimum age: 18+
Courier apps: Mido Lotto
Claim deadline: 180 days
Where proceeds go: Net lottery revenues supplement public education funding in California.

How old do you have to be to play the lottery in California?: You must be 18 or older to buy a California lottery ticket.
How long do you have to claim a lottery prize in California?: 180 days, per the lottery's published rules.

Facts last verified November 3, 2026

Every figure on this page comes from one of the documents below. If a source has changed since our check, tell us.