Maryland Lottery

The Maryland Lottery officially began operations in 1973 after voters approved its creation the year before. While informal gambling had existed in the state for decades, the modern version of the Maryland Lottery was founded with the purpose of generating revenue for public programs. Over the years, the Maryland Lottery has expanded to include multi-state games like Powerball and Mega Millions, along with several daily and original in-state draw games.

A Staunch Supporter of the Mega Millions

Maryland was one of the original participating states when Mega Millions began as The Big Game in 1996. After the game was renamed in 2002, the Maryland Lottery continued its strong support and was the first to officially relaunch the game under its new name. In 2012, Maryland was one of the three states to sell a winning ticket for what was then the largest jackpot in U.S. history—$656 million.

Mega Millions remains a top-selling game in the state, with drawings held every Tuesday and Friday. Tickets cost $2, and for an additional $1, players can activate the Megaplier to multiply non-jackpot prizes.

Maryland joined the Powerball game in January 2010. Drawings are now held three times a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Tickets are $2, and players can pay an extra $1 to activate Power Play, which multiplies non-jackpot winnings. The jackpot starts at $20 million and continues to grow until it's won.

Daily Games Offered by MD Lottery

Pick 3 is Maryland’s most accessible draw game, with tickets starting at just $0.50. Players choose a three-digit number and can wager on Straight, Box, Straight/Box, Combo, Front Pair, or Back Pair play types. Drawings are held twice daily, offering quick outcomes and prizes of up to $500 for a $1 Straight play.

Pick 4 follows a similar format, but players select a four-digit number. Available play styles include Straight, Box, and Straight/Box, with maximum payouts reaching $5,000. Like Pick 3, this game is drawn twice a day, seven days a week.

Hybrid Lottery Games

Bonus Match 5 is a Maryland-exclusive game where players select five numbers from 1 to 39. A bonus ball is drawn from the same pool. Players win by matching at least three numbers, and matching all five plus the bonus ball wins the jackpot, which starts at $50,000. Tickets cost $1 per board, and up to five boards can be played per ticket.

5 Card Cash is a poker-themed game that blends instant and daily draws. Each ticket generates a five-card poker hand. Players can win instantly if their hand matches a winning combination (like a full house or straight), or they can wait for the nightly drawing to win additional prizes. Tickets cost $2 per play.

Multi-Match is Maryland’s in-state jackpot game. For $2, players receive three lines of six numbers each, with numbers ranging from 1 to 43. Players can win on individual lines or by combining matched numbers across all lines. The jackpot starts at $500,000 and rolls over until someone matches all six numbers on a single line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play the Maryland Lottery online?

As of 2025, Maryland does not offer online ticket sales. Tickets must be purchased at licensed lottery retailers across the state.

What are the most popular games in the Maryland Lottery?

Powerball, Mega Millions, Pick 3, Pick 4, and Multi-Match are among the most played games. Bonus Match 5 and 5 Card Cash also have dedicated followings.

How old must I be to play the Maryland Lottery?

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

Are Maryland Lottery winnings taxable?

Yes. Federal withholding of 24% applies to prizes over $5,000. Maryland also withholds state income tax at a rate of 8.75% for residents and 7.5% for non-residents.

How long do I have to claim a prize?

Winners have 182 days (approximately six months) from the date of the drawing to claim a prize.

Where does Maryland Lottery revenue go?

Lottery profits in Maryland support public education, public health, safety initiatives, and the state's General Fund.

Can I remain anonymous if I win a large prize?

Maryland is one of the few states that allows lottery winners to remain anonymous.