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

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

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

180 days, per the lottery's published rules.

Wisconsin taxes lottery prizes at 7.65%. Federal withholding of 24% also applies above $5,000.

Tickets are sold only at Wisconsin Lottery retailers; the mobile app makes digital playslips that a retailer prints.

Independent · Sourced · VerifiedResponsible play Corrections

State guide

By Daniel Whitfield, EditorFacts verified November 2, 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 7.65%, on top of 24% federal withholding above $5,000. Your final bill depends on your return.
Online. Tickets are sold only at Wisconsin Lottery retailers; the mobile app makes digital playslips that a retailer prints.
Where the money goes. Wisconsin property tax credits: over $6.4 billion since 1988 (30.5% of revenue).

Powerball · Mega Millions · Megabucks · Badger 5 · SuperCash!

Wisconsin's state lottery: Megabucks, Badger 5 and SuperCash!, sold only at retail with 180-day claims.

Best for: Wisconsin players who buy at retail and want Megabucks, SuperCash! or Badger 5.

State lottery: Wisconsin Lottery
Running since: 1988
Minimum age: 18+
Official online sales: No
Courier apps: None operating
State tax on prizes: 7.65%
Claim deadline: 180 days
Winner anonymity: Not allowed
Where proceeds go: Wisconsin property tax credits: over $6.4 billion since 1988 (30.5% of revenue).

How old do you have to be to play the lottery in Wisconsin?: You must be 18 or older to buy a Wisconsin lottery ticket.
How long do you have to claim a lottery prize in Wisconsin?: 180 days, per the lottery's published rules.
Does Wisconsin tax lottery winnings?: Wisconsin taxes lottery prizes at 7.65%. Federal withholding of 24% also applies above $5,000.
Can you stay anonymous if you win the lottery in Wisconsin?: Not allowed.
Can you buy lottery tickets online in Wisconsin?: Tickets are sold only at Wisconsin Lottery retailers; the mobile app makes digital playslips that a retailer prints.

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