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

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

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

365 days, per the lottery's published rules.

New York taxes lottery prizes at 10.9%. Federal withholding of 24% also applies above $5,000.

The lottery sells subscriptions online; single tickets are in-store.

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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 365 days of the drawing. Miss it and the prize goes to the state's unclaimed-prize fund.
Taxes. The state withholds or taxes lottery prizes at 10.9%, on top of 24% federal withholding above $5,000. Your final bill depends on your return.
Online. The lottery sells subscriptions online; single tickets are in-store. Courier apps that state they operate here: Jackpocket, Lotto.com, Jackpot.com.
Where the money goes. Aid to Education.

Powerball · Mega Millions · Millionaire for Life

New York state lottery: huge education payouts, online subscriptions and an app.

Best for: New Yorkers who want a long-running lottery with subscription play.

NJ/NY-licensed courier in 12 states with a published 25% fee on draw tickets and no cut of your prizes.

Best for: Players who want a licensed courier with fees stated up front and are fine paying the premium.

DraftKings-owned lottery courier app: fees shown at checkout, about 12% over face value in observed Colorado prices.

Best for: Players in covered states who want to buy official tickets from their phone and accept a small premium.

US lottery courier app from Lottomatrix Corp (seven states); deposit fees are not published on its app page.

Best for: Players in its seven states who want an alternative app and will check fees at checkout.

How old do you have to be to play the lottery in New York?: You must be 18 or older to buy a New York lottery ticket.
How long do you have to claim a lottery prize in New York?: 365 days, per the lottery's published rules.
Does New York tax lottery winnings?: New York taxes lottery prizes at 10.9%. Federal withholding of 24% also applies above $5,000.
Can you buy lottery tickets online in New York?: The lottery sells subscriptions online; single tickets are in-store.

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 New York: state resources or call 1‑800‑GAMBLER.