Does Nevada Have a Lottery?
Nevada 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 Nevada resident.
Nevada does not have a state lottery.
Lottery tickets are not sold anywhere in Nevada. You must travel to a neighboring state to purchase Powerball, Mega Millions, or any other lottery tickets.
Why Doesn't Nevada Have a Lottery?
Nevada's lack of a state lottery is one of the most straightforward cases in the country: the casino industry opposes it. Nevada is home to Las Vegas and Reno, two of the world's most famous gambling hubs, and the casino lobby has historically wielded enormous political influence in the state legislature. Casino operators view a state lottery as direct competition for gambling dollars — money spent on lottery tickets is money not spent on casino floors. The Nevada Gaming Control Board and major casino operators have successfully blocked lottery proposals for decades. There is also a philosophical argument that Nevada's commercial gambling market already provides the entertainment and revenue that lotteries generate in other states.
Can You Play Powerball or Mega Millions in Nevada?
Nevada does not sell Powerball or Mega Millions tickets — a notable irony given that Las Vegas is the gambling capital of the world. No lottery retailers operate in Nevada. Residents can easily purchase lottery tickets in neighboring states: California, Oregon, Idaho, and Arizona all sell Powerball and Mega Millions. Many Nevada residents near the California border regularly cross over to buy tickets, particularly when jackpots are large.
Lottery Tax in Nevada
Nevada has no state income tax — one of nine states without one. This means Nevada residents who win lottery prizes from tickets purchased in California or other neighboring states owe no Nevada state tax on those winnings. Only federal taxes apply. Note that the state where you purchased the ticket may withhold its own state tax at the source (for example, California does not withhold state tax on lottery winnings, but Arizona withholds 2.5%).
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
Nevada 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 Nevada 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 Nevada have a lottery?
No, Nevada does not have a state lottery. The powerful casino industry has consistently lobbied against a state lottery to prevent competition for gambling revenue. Nevada is one of only five US states without any lottery.
Can I play Powerball in Nevada?
Nevada does not sell Powerball or Mega Millions tickets. Residents — including Las Vegas locals — must cross into a neighboring state such as California or Arizona to purchase tickets in person.
Do I pay taxes on lottery winnings in Nevada?
Nevada has no state income tax, so Nevada residents owe no Nevada state tax on lottery winnings from tickets purchased elsewhere. Only federal income tax applies (up to 37%). The state where you bought the ticket may have withheld its own state tax.