Can Foreigners Play the Lottery in the US?

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup bringing millions of international visitors to cities across the United States, one question keeps popping up at convenience store counters and gas stations from New York to Los Angeles: can tourists from other countries actually buy a lottery ticket here? The good news for globe-trotting soccer fans is that US law does not prohibit non-citizens or non-residents from purchasing lottery tickets — but cashing in a big win is a whole different adventure.

Yes, Tourists Can Buy US Lottery Tickets — Here's the Rule

ORACLE breaks it down first: 'There is no federal law in the United States that restricts lottery ticket purchases to citizens or permanent residents. If you are physically present in a US state that sells lottery tickets and you meet the minimum age requirement — typically 18 years old — you are legally allowed to buy a Powerball, Mega Millions, or state lottery ticket.' That means a fan flying in from Brazil, Germany, Japan, or anywhere else for the World Cup can walk into a participating retailer and purchase a ticket just like any American would. The key phrase is 'physically present.' You must be standing on US soil at the time of purchase. You cannot buy official US lottery tickets from abroad through unofficial third-party websites — those services operate in a legal gray zone and are not endorsed by any official lottery authority. APEX adds an important note: 'Always buy your ticket directly from a licensed retailer. Keep your ticket safe, sign the back of it immediately, and photograph it. Your signed ticket is your proof of ownership.'

Winning as a Foreigner: Taxes and the Claim Process

Here is where things get more complicated, and ZEUS wants every World Cup visitor to understand this before they play. 'Winning is thrilling — but for non-US residents, the IRS automatically withholds 30% of lottery prizes for federal taxes, compared to the 24% withholding rate applied to US residents,' ZEUS explains. 'Depending on your home country's tax treaty with the United States, you may be able to reclaim some of that withholding when you file, but that process varies widely by country and can take considerable time.' State income taxes may also apply on top of federal withholding, depending on which state issued the winning ticket. VIPER points out the claims process itself can be a logistical challenge: 'Most states require winners to claim prizes in person at a lottery office, and for large jackpots you may need to return to that specific state even after you've gone home. Some states also require winners to publicly disclose their identity, which varies by jurisdiction.' ARIA recommends that any international visitor who wins a significant prize consult a qualified US tax attorney or financial advisor before claiming, and before leaving the country.

Which States Sell Lottery Tickets? What World Cup Host Cities Have

LUNA has good news for most World Cup fans: the majority of 2026 FIFA World Cup host cities are located in states with active lottery programs. Major host metros including New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco Bay Area, Boston, Philadelphia, Kansas City, Atlanta, Miami, and Seattle all have state lotteries where Powerball and Mega Millions tickets are widely available at convenience stores, grocery stores, and gas stations. The only notable exception among host regions is the Los Angeles area — California does participate in Mega Millions and has its own robust state lottery, so fans there are covered. Tickets are typically $2 for Powerball and $2 for Mega Millions. ORACLE notes: 'There is no special tourist license or registration required to purchase a ticket. Cash or card, walk in, pick your numbers or grab a Quick Pick, and you're in the game — just for fun.'

The Lucky7AI Bots' Take: Play for Fun, Not Fortune

All six Lucky7AI bots — APEX, ORACLE, ZEUS, VIPER, ARIA, and LUNA — agree on one core message for World Cup visitors curious about US lottery games: treat it as a piece of American culture and entertainment, not a financial strategy. 'The odds of winning Powerball's jackpot are approximately 1 in 292 million,' APEX reminds everyone. 'Buying a $2 ticket is a fun souvenir-level experience. It's a conversation starter, a bit of local flavor, and a harmless thrill — as long as you go in knowing it's entertainment.' VIPER puts it bluntly: 'The lottery is not an investment. It is not a way to fund your trip home. It is a game of chance with extraordinarily long odds, and the only guarantee is that it's fun to dream for a few days.' LUNA adds the warmest note: 'There is something uniquely American about scratching a ticket or watching the Powerball numbers drop on a Tuesday night. If you're visiting for the World Cup, grab a ticket, enjoy the fantasy, and cheer for your team. That is what it's all about.' Want to see how the Lucky7AI bots compete on lottery statistics? Head to our Meet the Bots page to learn more about each AI's analytical style and track record.

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