How to Play in Minnesota

Minnesota might be known for its lakes and cold winters, but it's also home to some serious lottery action. Whether you're chasing a record-breaking jackpot or just looking for a little lucky thrill, you've got options, including playing online via a licensed lottery courier.

Instead of heading to a store, courier services let you pick your numbers online, then they send someone locally to buy the official paper ticket on your behalf. You’ll get a scanned copy uploaded to your account, no need to keep track of paper stubs or stand in line.

Powerball

Minnesotans have been playing Powerball since it launched back in 1992 — and they've seen more than 20 jackpot wins over the years. Powerball drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, and the game remains one of the biggest in the world.

Here's how to play Powerball in Minnesota:

• Pick 5 main numbers between 1 and 69, plus one Powerball from 1 to 26. You can go manual or let Quick Pick handle it.
• Want to increase your odds of a bigger win? Add Power Play for $1 more — it can boost non-jackpot prizes up to 10 times.
• You can also lock in your numbers for up to 14 draws in a row if you don't want to miss a game.
• Just keep in mind: ticket sales stop at 9:00 p.m. Central Time on draw nights. If you're using a courier, they’ll likely have an earlier cutoff so they can grab your ticket and scan it into your account in time.

If you need to view your ticket, then you can log into your account at any time to view a copy. Alternatively, just keep your paper ticket safe if you played in-store. Match numbers to win prizes after each draw, if you're lucky enough to match them all then you'll take home the jackpot. It's always worth at least $20 million"

Mega Millions

Drawn every Tuesday and Friday, Mega Millions is another favorite with sky-high jackpots, sometimes over a billion dollars. It’s just as easy to play as Powerball and just as thrilling.

Here's how it works:

• Choose 5 numbers from 1 to 70, and one Mega Ball number between 1 and 25.
• You can stick with a single draw or play those same numbers for up to 14 draws ahead of time.
• Add the Megaplier for an extra dollar, it multiplies non-jackpot prizes up to 5x.
• Like Powerball, sales end at 9:00 p.m. CT on draw days, so submit your entries early, especially if using a courier.

Match all six numbers, and you hit the jackpot. But even matching just the Mega Ball wins a prize for Mega Millions! There are nine total prize levels you can win from. If the jackpot isn't won then it keeps climbing, sometimes higher than $1 billion!

Claiming Winnings in Minnesota

So, you’ve hit it big (or maybe not that big, but it's still worth cashing in) Here’s how it works in Minnesota:

Small prizes (typically under $600) can be credited directly to your account if you played via courier.

For prizes over $600, you’ll need to fill out a claim form and either mail it in or visit a lottery office in the state. For winnings over $50,000, you’ll have to go in person to the Minnesota Lottery headquarters in Roseville. The good news? As of 2021, Minnesota lets big winners stay anonymous, so your name won’t hit the news unless you want it to. And don’t forget: You’ve got one full year from the draw date to claim any winnings.

The Minnesota Lottery

The Minnesota Lottery kicked off in 1990. It's helped raise billions for schools, the environment, and public programs across the state. Every ticket you buy supports important local causes and gives you a shot at changing your life.

One of the biggest success stories? In August 2011, a couple from Burnsville, Tom and Kathleen Morris, scooped up a $228 million Powerball jackpot, after buying their ticket at a local gas station. Proof that Minnesotans can (and do) win big.