Can Foreigners Win the Lottery? Rules for Tourists and Non-Residents
A giant U.S. jackpot makes international headlines, and people everywhere wonder: could I play? Can a tourist buy a Powerball ticket? Can someone living in another country win EuroMillions? In many cases the answer is yes — but the details around buying, claiming, and taxes matter a lot.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules differ by country, state, and game, and they change over time. Confirm details with official lottery operators and qualified professionals.
Citizenship Usually Matters Less Than Where You Bought the Ticket
Many people assume lotteries are only for citizens or residents. For many major lotteries, that's not the main rule. What usually matters most is whether the ticket was legally purchased within the lottery's jurisdiction — typically in person, inside that state or country.
We call this the point-of-sale principle: for many lotteries, eligibility is determined by where and how a ticket was bought, not by the nationality of the person holding it.
Can Foreigners Play U.S. Lotteries?
Generally, yes — if they buy tickets legally.
Buying tickets
- In person: Visitors can typically buy tickets at licensed retailers in states that sell them, as long as they meet the minimum age.
- Online: Official online lottery sales in U.S. states are usually restricted to people physically located within that state, verified by geolocation.
Claiming prizes
Foreign winners usually claim like anyone else, following the rules of the state where the ticket was bought. They may need to provide identification such as a passport, and tax paperwork.
Taxes for non-residents
For people who aren't U.S. citizens or residents, U.S. lottery winnings are generally subject to 30% federal withholding, compared with 24% withholding for U.S. citizens and residents. Tax treaties and the winner's home country's tax laws can also affect the final outcome.
Can Foreigners Play EuroMillions?
EuroMillions is played in nine countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
- In person: Visitors can generally buy tickets at authorized retailers in participating countries.
- Online: Official online play is usually limited to people who meet each national operator's residency, location, and account requirements. In the UK, for example, online players must be physically in the UK to buy tickets.
- Taxes: Tax treatment depends on the country where the ticket was bought and the winner's home country.
Other Countries
United Kingdom
UK National Lottery tickets can be bought in person in the UK by anyone meeting the age requirement of 18. UK lottery winnings aren't taxed as income in the UK.
Canada
Canadian lotteries sell tickets in person to eligible players within each province. Lottery winnings in Canada aren't taxed as income, though foreign winners may have obligations at home.
Spain
Spain's Christmas lottery tickets can be bought in Spain. Spanish tax rules apply to prizes above €40,000, taxed at 20%.
Australia
Australian lotteries sell tickets to people located in Australia through retailers and official online channels. Lottery winnings aren't taxed as income in Australia.
A Real-World Example
Foreign visitors have won lottery prizes in other countries, often by buying tickets as tourists. One of the most widely reported examples of international lottery play involved economist Stefan Mandel, who organized international investors to buy millions of tickets in the Virginia Lottery in 1992. That event led lotteries to tighten rules on bulk purchases and ticket distribution — an early sign of how international play can reshape lottery policy.
Beware of Lottery Scams Targeting Foreigners
International lottery scams are extremely common. Red flags include:
- You've won a lottery you never entered. You can't win a lottery you didn't play.
- You're asked to pay a fee, tax, or shipping cost to receive a prize. Legitimate lotteries don't do this.
- Offers to buy tickets for you in another country through unofficial resellers.
- Requests for bank details or ID copies via email, text, or social media.
- Pressure to act quickly or keep it secret.
We call this pattern the phantom prize: a "win" that exists only to extract money or personal information.
Official lottery operators publish warnings about scams, and consumer protection agencies in many countries do too.
What About Online Lottery Services?
You may see websites offering to buy tickets for foreign lotteries on your behalf, or to let you bet on lottery results. These services vary widely:
- Ticket couriers claim to buy real tickets for customers.
- Lottery betting sites let customers bet on the outcome without buying official tickets.
Legality, consumer protection, and payout guarantees differ by country and provider. Official lottery operators generally advise buying only through authorized channels.
Quick Checklist for International Players
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Is the ticket bought from an authorized retailer or official channel? | Determines eligibility |
| Am I old enough under local rules? | Age limits vary |
| Do I understand the claim deadline? | Prizes can expire |
| What ID will I need to claim? | Passports are commonly required |
| How will the prize be taxed here and at home? | Taxes can apply in more than one country |
Key Takeaways
- For many lotteries, what matters most is that a ticket was legally bought within the lottery's jurisdiction, not the buyer's nationality.
- Visitors can often buy tickets in person, but official online sales are usually limited by location or residency.
- Non-resident winners of U.S. lotteries generally face 30% federal withholding, versus 24% for U.S. citizens and residents.
- EuroMillions is played in nine countries, each with its own purchase and tax rules.
- The UK, Canada, and Australia don't tax lottery winnings as income, but a winner's home country might.
- Messages saying you've won a foreign lottery you never entered are almost always scams.
Quick Answers
Can a foreigner win the Powerball?
Generally, yes. Non-residents who legally buy Powerball tickets in a participating U.S. state can typically win and claim prizes, following that state's rules. Non-resident winners are generally subject to 30% U.S. federal withholding, and their home country's tax laws may also apply.
Can tourists buy lottery tickets?
In many countries, tourists can buy lottery tickets in person from authorized retailers if they meet the minimum age. Online purchases are usually restricted to people physically located in the lottery's jurisdiction or who meet residency and account requirements. Always buy through official channels.
How are foreign lottery winners taxed?
It depends on where the ticket was bought and where the winner lives. In the U.S., non-resident winners generally face 30% federal withholding. Countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia don't tax lottery winnings as income. A winner's home country may still tax the prize, so professional advice is important.
Where International Lottery Play Is Heading
As more lotteries move online, geolocation and identity verification are becoming standard. Our prediction: official online lotteries will continue restricting play to local jurisdictions, but cross-border partnerships like EuroMillions will expand, giving more people legitimate access to international jackpots without relying on unofficial resellers.