Maine Lottery

Although one of the smallest U.S. states by population, Maine has long embraced lottery gaming. The Maine Lottery is government-run and has been active since 1974. It offers both local draw games and participation in major national jackpots like Powerball and Mega Millions. The state also collaborates with Vermont and New Hampshire on tri-state games, making it one of the few lotteries in the country to actively engage in cross-border partnerships.

In 2009, Maine joined national lottery compacts, allowing it to begin selling Mega Millions tickets in 2010, which complemented its existing Powerball offering from 2004.

Top Lottery Games Promoted by ME Lotto

Maine joined the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) in 1990 but only introduced Powerball in 2004. In 2025, Powerball remains the most played lottery game in the state. Drawings occur every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Tickets cost $2, and players can add the Power Play option for an extra $1 to multiply non-jackpot prizes. The jackpot starts at $20 million and can grow into the hundreds of millions.

Mega Millions was added to the Maine Lottery lineup in May 2010. Drawings are held on Tuesday and Friday. Tickets cost $2, and the optional Megaplier ($1 extra) increases non-jackpot prizes up to five times. Mega Millions also features billion-dollar jackpots, making it a top draw among players statewide.

Local and Regional Games Hosted by Maine Lottery

Lucky for Life is a multi-state draw game available in Maine. The top prize is $1,000 per day for life, with a second-tier prize of $25,000 per year for life. Players choose five numbers from 1 to 48 and one Lucky Ball from 1 to 18. Drawings are held daily. Maine has offered Lucky for Life since its regional inception and continues to promote it as a life-changing prize game with long-term appeal.

Megabucks Plus is part of the Tri-State Lottery shared with Vermont and New Hampshire. This long-running game has been active since 1985 and continues to be popular in 2025. Players select five numbers from 1 to 41 and one Megaball from 1 to 6. The jackpot starts at $1 million and rolls over until won. Drawings occur every Wednesday and Saturday, and tickets cost $2.

Pick 3 and Pick 4 are Maine’s daily numbers games, each offering two draws per day, including Sundays. Pick 3 requires a three-digit number selection, while Pick 4 involves four digits. Players can choose Straight, Box, or Straight/Box wagers, with top prizes of $500 for Pick 3 and $5,000 for Pick 4, based on a $1 Straight bet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who operates the Maine Lottery?

The Maine State Lottery is operated by the Department of Administrative and Financial Services under the Maine Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations.

Can I play Maine Lottery games online?

As of 2025, Maine does not offer online ticket sales. Tickets must be purchased in person from authorized retailers.

What is the biggest Maine Lottery jackpot ever won?

While Maine has had many high-tier winners in national games like Powerball and Mega Millions, the largest prize to date was a Powerball jackpot exceeding $250 million won by a single ticket.

What are the most popular Maine Lottery games?

Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life, and Tri-State Megabucks Plus are the most popular. Pick 3 and Pick 4 are widely played for smaller, more frequent prizes.

How old must I be to play the Maine Lottery?

You must be at least 18 years old to purchase lottery tickets or claim prizes in Maine.

How do I claim a prize?

Prizes under $600 can be claimed at any Maine Lottery retailer. For prizes over $600, players must submit a claim form along with valid ID at a lottery office or by mail.

Do Maine Lottery tickets expire?

Yes. Winning draw game tickets must be claimed within one year of the drawing date. Instant ticket prizes must be claimed within one year of the announced end-of-game date.

Are Maine Lottery winnings taxed?

Yes. Prizes over $5,000 are subject to 24 percent federal withholding and Maine state income tax of 5 percent.

Where does Maine Lottery revenue go?

Proceeds from the Maine Lottery go to the state’s General Fund, which supports public education, health care, and other vital services.