Who can legally play the lottery in Illinois and Missouri? Check residency rules & more
Some purchases, such as marijuana, are regulated across state borders in Illinois and Missouri. But what about lottery tickets?
The lottery is managed on a state level in the U.S., and most states besides Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah have a state lottery, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Residents of Illinois and Missouri can play in their state’s lottery, and Illinois also allows online ticket sales, while Missouri does not.
Here’s what to know about playing the lottery in another state, plus information about how lottery proceeds are used.
Can Illinois residents buy Missouri Lottery tickets?
In Missouri, people do not need to be a state resident to purchase lottery tickets, Missouri Lottery spokesperson Wendy Baker wrote in a Jan. 13 email to the News-Democrat. An adult at least 18 years old can purchase a Missouri Lottery ticket from a licensed retailer.
In Illinois, you don’t have to be a state resident to purchase a lottery ticket in-person, but must have an Illinois address to create an online Illinois Lottery profile and play on the Illinois Lottery app or website, Illinois Lottery spokesperson Meghan Powers wrote in a Jan. 15 email to the BND.
As in Missouri, Illinois Lottery players must be at least 18 years old. Retailers are required to request age verification from anyone who looks 25 or younger before selling them a lottery ticket, Powers said.
The process to claim an Illinois Lottery or Missouri Lottery prize depends on the amount, but winners of $600 or more on a single ticket can make claims in-person or by mail.
Powerball and Mega Millions allow people who are not U.S. citizens to play the lottery, but they may pay more in taxes in some cases.
Where does lottery money go?
Here’s how Illinois Lottery revenue was used in fiscal year 2024 (which runs July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024), according to the organization:
More than $3.8 billion was paid in prizes to Illinois Lottery winners.
$884 million was used to fund “public education and good causes.”
$179 million went to Illinois Lottery retailers for commissions and selling bonuses.
$219 million was used for operating costs.
The Illinois Lottery brought in $3.86 billion in sales in fiscal year 2024, with lottery proceeds of $883.6 million, both higher totals than the previous year, according to an Oct. 31 press release.
In the last fiscal year, 66.8% of Illinois Lottery revenue went toward paying winners, 22.9% was used to support the Common School Fund and other causes, 5.7% went to expenses and operations and 4.6% was used for retailer commissions or selling bonuses, the organization’s website says.
Powers wrote in a later email to the BND the Illinois Lottery supports 10 “special causes,” including the following:
Multiple sclerosis causes in Illinois
Veteran support programs
Special Olympics
Homelessness prevention and assistance programs
HIV/AIDS causes
Breast cancer research and support services
Alzheimer’s programs
Police memorials
In fiscal year 2024, the Missouri Lottery brought in $1,742,791,781 in sales, the organization’s website says. In St. Louis City in fiscal year 2024, $45,098,237 went to player prizes, $4,448,597 went to retailer incentives and $36,957,491 went to education expenditures, the Missouri Lottery’s website says.
The Missouri Lottery also provides a breakdown of where the educational expenditures went in St. Louis City, including grants and classroom trusts for schools, among other things.
If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, help is available at 1-800-522-4700.
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