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

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

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

180 days, per the lottery's published rules.

North Carolina taxes lottery prizes at 3.99%. Federal withholding of 24% also applies above $5,000.

Official online sales and a mobile app on nclottery.com; players must be 18 or older.

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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.
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 3.99%, on top of 24% federal withholding above $5,000. Your final bill depends on your return.
Online. Official online sales and a mobile app on nclottery.com; players must be 18 or older.
Where the money goes. Annual earnings for education have surpassed $500 million (no fiscal year stated).

Powerball · Mega Millions · Millionaire for Life · NC Cash 5 · NC Pick 3 · NC Pick 4

North Carolina's state lottery: official online sales, 18+, with national games and in-state Cash 5, Pick 3 and Pick 4.

Best for: North Carolina adults (18+) who want to buy Powerball, Mega Millions or in-state draw games online.

State lottery: North Carolina Education Lottery
Running since: 2006
Minimum age: 18+
Official online sales: Yes
Courier apps: None operating
State tax on prizes: 3.99%
Claim deadline: 180 days
Winner anonymity: Not allowed
Where proceeds go: Annual earnings for education have surpassed $500 million (no fiscal year stated).

How old do you have to be to play the lottery in North Carolina?: You must be 18 or older to buy a North Carolina lottery ticket.
How long do you have to claim a lottery prize in North Carolina?: 180 days, per the lottery's published rules.
Does North Carolina tax lottery winnings?: North Carolina taxes lottery prizes at 3.99%. Federal withholding of 24% also applies above $5,000.
Can you stay anonymous if you win the lottery in North Carolina?: Not allowed.
Can you buy lottery tickets online in North Carolina?: Official online sales and a mobile app on nclottery.com; players must be 18 or older.

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.

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