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

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

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

180 days, per the lottery's published rules.

Virginia taxes lottery prizes at 4%. Federal withholding of 24% also applies above $5,000.

Virginia Lottery Online and the app sell draw games and online instants; the app claims prizes up to $5,000.

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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 Allowed. You can keep your identity private if you follow the lottery’s procedure.
Taxes. The state withholds or taxes lottery prizes at 4%, on top of 24% federal withholding above $5,000. Your final bill depends on your return.
Online. Virginia Lottery Online and the app sell draw games and online instants; the app claims prizes up to $5,000.
Where the money goes. All Virginia Lottery profits go to K-12 public education in Virginia.

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Virginia state lottery with online wallet, app and a new anonymity law.

Best for: Virginians who want to play on an app and may win big.

State lottery: Virginia Lottery
Running since: 1988
Minimum age: 18+
Official online sales: Yes
Courier apps: None operating
State tax on prizes: 4%
Claim deadline: 180 days
Winner anonymity: Allowed
Where proceeds go: All Virginia Lottery profits go to K-12 public education in Virginia.

How old do you have to be to play the lottery in Virginia?: You must be 18 or older to buy a Virginia lottery ticket.
How long do you have to claim a lottery prize in Virginia?: 180 days, per the lottery's published rules.
Does Virginia tax lottery winnings?: Virginia taxes lottery prizes at 4%. Federal withholding of 24% also applies above $5,000.
Can you stay anonymous if you win the lottery in Virginia?: Allowed.
Can you buy lottery tickets online in Virginia?: Virginia Lottery Online and the app sell draw games and online instants; the app claims prizes up to $5,000.

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 Virginia: state resources or call 1‑800‑GAMBLER.