American lotteries – all you need to know in 2026

AmericanLottery365 is an independent information about jackpots, results & how to play. We provide clear explanations, current jackpots, verified results and practical information for players who want to understand how US lotteries work, including international participation.

Estimated Jackpot lottery jackpots

Powerball and Mega Millions are known worldwide for their exceptionally large jackpots. Below you find the most recent jackpot information and upcoming draw moments.

Powerball jackpot

Record jackpot: $2.04 billion (California, Nov 2022)
Draws: Monday, Wednesday & Saturday 10:59 PM ET)
Starting jackpot: $50 million (since April 25’rule update)
Odds of jackpot: 1 in 292.2 million

Mega Millions jackpot

Record jackpot: $1.6 billion (Aug 2023)
Draws: Tuesday & Friday (11:00 PM ET)
Odds of jackpot: 1 in 302 million
Starting jackpot: $50 million (after April 2025 update)

Major US lotteries (2026)

For verified draw results and prize information, visit the individual lottery pages.

Powerball lotto

Powerball is one of the largest and most recognized lotteries in the United States. The game is played across multiple states and regularly produces jackpots exceeding hundreds of millions of dollars.

On our Powerball pages you will find:

  • How the game works
  • Prize structure and odds
  • Draw schedules and results
  • Tax rules for US and international winners

Read more about Powerball

Mega Millions lottery

Mega Millions is a multi-state US lottery with a different number format and prize structure compared to Powerball. Jackpots can reach similar heights and draws take place twice per week.

On our Mega Millions pages you will find:

  • How to play Mega Millions
  • Prize breakdown
  • Biggest winners in history
  • Claiming prizes and taxation

Read more about Mega Millions

Playing US lotteries from outside the United States

Official US lottery tickets are sold only through licensed retailers within the United States. Players living outside the US cannot buy tickets directly from official lottery organizations. International players can participate legally through authorized courier services. These companies physically purchase your ticket in the U.S. and upload a digital copy to your account.

If you happen to visit the U.S., you can also buy tickets directly at official retailers from gas stations to grocery stores

How to Play the US Lottery Online

You don’t need to live in America to take part. Thanks to verified partners like Lottofy and GiantLottos, official tickets can be purchased online from Europe and beyond

1️⃣ Pick your numbersChoose your lucky numbers or opt for a random selection.
2️⃣ Buy your ticket online – Securely purchase official lottery tickets from Lottofy
3️⃣ Check the results – Watch the draw live in 2025 or check online for the winning numbers.
4️⃣ Claim your prize – If you win, you’ll be notified and guided through the payout process!

US lottery news and updates

In 2025, Powerball and Mega Millions together generated over $30 billion in ticket sales even after a small decline from the record years 2023–2024.

FAQ lotteries in America

How much does it cost to buy a Powerball or Mega Millions ticket?

The cost of a ticket varies by lotto agent, but typically you will pay around €3.50 for a Powerball ticket or for a Mega Millions ticket. Some providers you gave to pay €5.99 for a lotto ticket. Check always the discounts or promotions, such as a free second ticket with your first purchase at Giantlotto.

What happened when i win a price i a US lottery

If you win a prize, it will be automatically claimed on your behalf by the ticket provider. Smaller prizes are usually credited directly to your account. For larger prizes, such as a jackpot, additional support may be provided to ensure you receive your winnings securely.

Is it legal to play U.S. lotteries online from my country?

In most cases, yes. You are not participating directly in a U.S. state-run lottery but through an authorized intermediary. These services operate legally under the laws of the country in which they are registered (often in the EU, UK, or Gibraltar) and comply with local gaming regulations.

Important: Always check the terms and conditions and ensure the provider has a valid license.

 Is Lottofy a safe provider for playing U.S. lotteries?

Yes. Lottofy is one of the few platforms that:

  • Is EU-regulated
  • Offers transparent ticket handling
  • secure payment systems
  • Provides documented proof of entry,
  • pays out winnings in full (minus applicable taxes or fees).

Reviews and payout histories show them to be trustworthy and reliable.

More faq

About AmericanLottery365

AmericanLottery365.com is an independent informational platform focused on U.S. lottery games. We provide factual explanations, historical data, draw information and educational content about lotteries such as Powerball and Mega Millions. We do not sell lottery tickets and are not a lottery operator.