Who Can Play – And Win – The Iowa Lottery?

Here’s a question that repeatedly comes our way, one I find particularly interesting: Can someone from outside the country buy Iowa Lottery tickets? And can they win a lottery prize here?

I find the question so interesting because I’ve played lotteries in countries outside the United States, had fun while I was at it, and won some prizes. And I’m pretty sure I would have been offended if I’d been told I couldn’t play there just because I was from another country! So, those are the thoughts that go through my mind when someone questions just who can play the Iowa Lottery.  

The short answer to the question is that people from other states or even other countries can play – and win – the Iowa Lottery. The requirements for them are the same as those for everybody else: They have to be at least 21 years old to buy a ticket and the ticket must be purchased in person at a lottery retailer here in Iowa.

If you win an Iowa Lottery prize and you’re not a resident of the United States, you may pay a different amount in withholding taxes than would a U.S. citizen, but it’s perfectly OK for you to play and win!