Legal Lottery

Legal lotteries and lottery laws vary by state within India. There are currently 13 states that allow lottery games, while the rest have banned them. There is no national ban, but following a 2015 decision by the State Supreme Court of India, individual states take the decision whether to allow lotteries or not. States have the authority to control lottery games in their particular jurisdiction (not internationally) and ensure that all lottery draws that take place are run fairly and comply with the rules and regulations of that particular game.

Lotteries are very popular in the states where they are allowed. The 13 Indian states that have their own lotteries are:


Previously, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu held successful lotteries, but these states have now banned the sale of lottery tickets.

All of the active state lotteries offer a variety of games, including a number of Bumper draws throughout the year. You must be the minimum age to take part, 18, and resident in a state where you are permitted to play.

The oldest government-run lottery in India is the Kerala State, which has been in operation since 1967.

Lotto India is a nationwide online lottery, with jackpots larger than some state games. Unlike state lotteries, everyone can play Lotto India. As long as you are least 18 years old, you can take part online regardless of where in the country you live. The game is even available worldwide. Lotto India is fully licensed and regulated, and you can rely on the draws taking place twice a week as scheduled without fail. As it is an online game only, your numbers are stored securely and you will be notified straight away if you win, with prize payments paid automatically.

International Lotteries

International lotteries like Powerball, Mega Millions, and EuroMillions offer huge jackpots, above the level available on Indian games - see the lottery comparison for more details. You can take part in these games in a safe, reliable and legal way from India, by using trusted, secure and licensed online services.

Players can safely purchase tickets online from India for the top world lotteries without having to visit the USA or Europe. Because these draws are held outside India, buying lottery tickets online is legal throughout the country, regardless of the gambling laws in any particular state.

Players have won major international prizes via a lottery concierge, including a US lottery win of $30 million. You can use concierge services, where tickets are bought on your behalf, or betting sites where you can wager on which numbers will be selected.

Prize Payments for Online Lotteries

When you play an international lottery from India, or a licensed online game such as Lotto India, the payment of prizes is simple. As you have to register online and add funds in order to purchase your entries, there is already a digital account set up.

Winnings will be paid straight into this online account shortly after the draw. In fact, playing online means that you’ll never miss out on a prize, as you’ll also be notified by email if you win and there’s no need to keep a paper ticket safe.

If you win a major prize, such as a jackpot worth several Crore, the process is a bit different as there will just need to be a few additional verification checks. You will be guided through all the steps, but it just requires you to submit documents to prove your age and address. The full amount can then be wired directly to your bank account.

International Lottery FAQs

1. Can I play international lotteries from India?

Yes, you can play international lotteries such as Powerball and Mega Millions online. To read more about this facility, visit the How to Play page.

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2. How can I claim the winnings if I win an international lottery from India?

If you win a prize, you will receive a text message or email informing you of your win. Prizes are automatically paid into your online account soon after the draw has been made and you can choose to withdraw your winnings or use them to fund future ticket purchases.

Claiming a large prize is simple, as a player from Panama discovered in 2017 after winning the $30 million Florida Lotto jackpot.

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3. Can I transfer the money I have won to my bank account in India?

Yes. When you set up your online account, you will be required to choose one of the many methods available for funding your account. You can use a variety of methods to withdraw your winnings including Visa, Mastercard and Neteller. Alternatively, the winnings in your player account can be used to buy more tickets for future draws.

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4. Will the online lottery service deduct a proportion of my winnings or take a commission?

No. Winnings are paid in full to the player, although you should check if your prize makes you liable for income tax in India.

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