Does Alaska Have a Lottery?
Alaska is one of only 5 US states without a state lottery. Here's what you need to know about playing lottery games and paying taxes on winnings as a Alaska resident.
Alaska does not have a state lottery.
Lottery tickets are not sold anywhere in Alaska. You must travel to a neighboring state to purchase Powerball, Mega Millions, or any other lottery tickets.
Why Doesn't Alaska Have a Lottery?
Alaska has never established a state lottery, and unlike most other states without one, the reasons are primarily practical rather than moral. Alaska's geographic isolation and small population (under 750,000 people) make a traditional lottery economically difficult to sustain — the revenue simply wouldn't justify the administrative overhead. More importantly, Alaska has never had a state income tax and funds much of its state budget through oil and gas revenues, including the famous Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend that pays each eligible resident an annual check. With this unique revenue structure, there has been little political pressure to introduce a lottery as a supplemental funding source.
Can You Play Powerball or Mega Millions in Alaska?
Alaska does not sell Powerball or Mega Millions tickets. No Powerball or Mega Millions retailers operate in Alaska. Because of the state's geographic isolation, the nearest places to buy lottery tickets are in the contiguous US states. Alaska residents who travel to Washington, Oregon, or other lottery states can purchase tickets in person during their trip.
Lottery Tax in Alaska
Alaska has no state income tax at all — one of only nine states without one. This means Alaska residents who win lottery prizes from tickets purchased during travel to other states owe no Alaska state tax on those winnings. Only federal taxes apply, which are withheld at 24% on prizes over $5,000 and can reach 37% at the top federal bracket.
Federal taxes of 24% are withheld on prizes over $5,000 regardless of which state sold the ticket.
Nearest States Where You Can Buy Lottery Tickets
Alaska residents must purchase lottery tickets in person in a neighboring state. Here are the closest options:
Tax Calculator
Estimate your take-home on lottery winnings as a Alaska resident
Powerball Results
Latest Powerball winning numbers and jackpot history
Mega Millions Results
Latest Mega Millions winning numbers and jackpot history
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Alaska have a lottery?
No, Alaska does not have a state lottery. The state's small population, geographic isolation, and oil-funded budget have eliminated the economic and political incentive to create one. Alaska is one of only five US states without any lottery.
Can I play Powerball in Alaska?
Alaska does not sell Powerball or Mega Millions tickets. Residents must travel to a lottery state such as Washington or Oregon to purchase tickets in person during a trip.
Do I pay taxes on lottery winnings in Alaska?
Alaska has no state income tax, so Alaska residents owe no state tax on lottery winnings — even winnings from tickets purchased in other states. Only federal income tax (up to 37%) applies.