Key points
- Most US states set the minimum lottery age at 18.
- A few states set a higher age.
- Always check your own state lottery's official rules.
No single national age
Lotteries in the US are run by individual states, so each one sets its own minimum age. There's no single nationwide rule.
What's most common
In most states, you must be at least 18 to buy a lottery ticket. A small number of states set the minimum higher, such as 19 or 21.
Why ages differ
State lawmakers decide the rules, sometimes aligning lottery age with other gambling rules in that state.
How to check your state
- Visit your state lottery's official website.
- Look for "rules", "FAQ" or "responsible gaming".
- Check the age for claiming prizes too.
Why it matters
A ticket bought by someone under the legal age may not be paid out. It's also why lottery tickets shouldn't be given to young people as gifts.
Apollo AI is for adults of legal lottery age. See our responsible play page for more.
Apollo AI charts past US draws and builds a set in one click. $147 once, 14-day refund.
Order Apollo AIGeneral information for US readers, not legal or financial advice. Lottery draws are random.