"Can a non-US citizen win the lottery?" "Can an undocumented immigrant win the Powerball?" "Can foreigners buy lottery tickets in the USA?" In a city like New York, these are some of the most-asked lottery questions of all — and the answers surprise people. The short version: you do not have to be a US citizen, or even a legal resident, to play or win. Here's exactly how it works, and the practical catches that matter.
Do you have to be a US citizen to play or win?
No. According to the official Powerball rules, players do not have to be US citizens or permanent residents. The only hard requirement is age — you must be 18 or older (19 or 21 in a few states). Citizenship and immigration status are simply not part of the eligibility test. The same is true for Mega Millions and state games.
Because there's no residency restriction, tourists, visa holders, green-card holders, and undocumented immigrants can all legally buy tickets — and claim the prize if they win. Foreign visitors really do win sometimes.
Can foreigners buy lottery tickets in the USA?
Yes, with one condition: you must be physically present in a US state that sells the game when you buy. A visitor standing in a New York deli can buy a Powerball ticket exactly like a local. What you generally cannot do is buy an official ticket from another country over the internet — the games are sold in person within participating states (plus DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands). Some courier services purchase tickets on a buyer's behalf, but those operate in limited states and add fees; we compare them in our courier app comparison.
Can an undocumented immigrant win the Powerball?
Legally, yes. The lottery does not check immigration status when you buy a ticket or when you claim a prize. An undocumented winner is entitled to the money. But there are real, practical hurdles to be aware of:
- Identification. To claim a large prize you typically need at least two valid forms of ID. That can be difficult without state-issued documents.
- Tax reporting. Claiming requires a taxpayer ID for IRS reporting — an SSN or an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), which can be obtained even without work authorization.
- Public exposure. Some states, including New York, publish winners' names. For someone worried about immigration consequences, that visibility is a serious consideration.
- Get advice first. Anyone in this situation should talk to an immigration attorney and a tax professional before claiming.
Where it gets expensive: the tax difference
Eligibility is the easy part. The bigger issue for non-citizens is tax. US citizens and resident aliens have 24% withheld federally (rising to 37% at filing), but non-resident aliens have a flat 30% withheld on the entire prize — and they may not get the same deductions. On a giant jackpot, that gap alone can be worth tens of millions. We break the whole non-resident tax picture down — including the tax treaties that let residents of some countries reclaim the withholding — in lottery taxes for non-residents and immigrants.
What about staying anonymous?
This matters a lot for non-citizen winners, and it depends entirely on the state. New York generally treats winners' names as public record, while other states allow anonymity or claiming through a trust or LLC. If privacy is critical to you, it can even influence where you'd want a winning ticket to be claimed. See our state-by-state anonymity guide.
The bottom line
Citizenship is not a barrier to winning the US lottery — buying in person and being 18+ is all the law requires, and anyone can claim. The complications are practical: identification, taxes (higher for non-residents), and publicity. If you're a non-citizen holding a big winner, the smartest first move is the same as for anyone: secure the ticket, stay quiet, and assemble a legal and tax team before you claim. Check the latest numbers on our homepage.
General information only, not legal or tax advice. Non-citizen and undocumented winners should consult qualified immigration and tax professionals before claiming. Play responsibly — 1-800-GAMBLER.