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

You must be 21 or older to buy a Louisiana lottery ticket.

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

180 days, per the lottery's published rules.

Louisiana taxes lottery prizes at 3%. Federal withholding of 24% also applies above $5,000.

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State guide

By Daniel Whitfield, EditorFacts verified November 2, 2026

Age. You must be 21 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.
Privacy. Winner anonymity is Not allowed. Your name, city and prize amount can be released under public-records law.
Taxes. The state withholds or taxes lottery prizes at 3%, on top of 24% federal withholding above $5,000. Your final bill depends on your return.
Online. Tickets are sold in person only.
Where the money goes. K-12 education through the Minimum Foundation Program.

Powerball · Mega Millions · Lotto · Pick 3 · Pick 4 · Pick 5

Louisiana state lottery funding K-12 education; 21+.

Best for: Louisianans who want clear rules and local education funding.

How old do you have to be to play the lottery in Louisiana?: You must be 21 or older to buy a Louisiana lottery ticket.
How long do you have to claim a lottery prize in Louisiana?: 180 days, per the lottery's published rules.
Does Louisiana tax lottery winnings?: Louisiana taxes lottery prizes at 3%. Federal withholding of 24% also applies above $5,000.
Can you stay anonymous if you win the lottery in Louisiana?: Not allowed.

Facts last verified November 2, 2026

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

Problem gambling help in Louisiana: state resources or call 1‑800‑GAMBLER.