Alabama (AL) Lottery Results & Winning Numbers
Results Updated On:16 Sep 2025 (GMT)
Is there a lottery in Alabama?
Alabama is one of only five US states without a state-operated lottery, together with Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.
Alabama does not have its own system for lottery games or scratch-off tickets.
This means there are no official Alabama lottery results or Alabama lottery tickets available within state borders.
Despite several attempts, lawmakers have never approved a lottery in Alabama.
Proposals resurface often, but religious opposition, constitutional barriers, and disagreements over revenue distribution have prevented progress.
Why Alabama doesn’t have a state lottery
The Alabama Constitution clearly prohibits a lottery, just like in Utah.
Article IV, §65 states: “The legislature shall have no power to authorize lotteries or gift enterprises for any purposes, and shall pass laws to prohibit the sale in this state of lottery or gift enterprise tickets.”
Beyond the constitution, opposition has historically been strong.
Religious groups have been a consistent voice against gambling expansion, while lawmakers have struggled to agree on how lottery revenue should be used.
Efforts to introduce an Alabama lottery bill have repeatedly fallen short.
In 1999, voters rejected a proposal to fund education with lottery proceeds.
More recently, in 2016, a bill nearly passed but failed when legislators couldn’t agree on spending priorities.
Alabama lottery results
Since Alabama does not sell lottery tickets, there are no Alabama lottery results or Alabama lottery results tonight.
Players who buy tickets in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, or Tennessee should check those states’ official websites to see winning numbers.
Multi-state games like Powerball and Mega Millions publish results nationwide.
Can you buy lottery tickets in Alabama?
No. The sale of lottery tickets within the state of Alabama is not permitted by law.
Similarly, it is also prohibited to play lottery games in the State of Hawaii and Nevada.
How can people in Alabama play lottery?
Although there is no lottery in Alabama, residents often cross state lines to play.
Neighboring states make it easy to buy tickets for big games like Powerball and Mega Millions.
- Florida lottery: Offers major draws plus local favorites like Fantasy 5, Cash Pop, and a wide range of scratch-offs.
- Georgia lottery: Provides Powerball, Mega Millions, and exclusive games such as Georgia Cash 3, Cash 4, and Georgia Lotto.
- Mississippi lottery: Features Lotto America, Powerball, Mega Millions, and several scratch-off games with fast payouts.
- Tennessee lottery: Includes Powerball, Mega Millions, and in-state favorites like Tennessee Cash and Cash 3.
Many Alabamians make regular trips to these states to purchase tickets, and several have even claimed large prizes from out-of-state wins.
Can you win the lottery if you live in Alabama?
Yes, you can, but you'll have to pay additional state taxes on top of any standard taxes that already apply.
Taxes on lottery winnings in Alabama
Since Alabama does not have a state lottery, there is no Alabama tax on lottery winnings.
However, Alabamians who buy tickets in neighboring states are still responsible for federal taxes and any state taxes owed in the place where the ticket was purchased.
For example, a Powerball win in Georgia would be taxed under Georgia’s lottery rules, and the IRS would also require federal withholding.
Because Alabama has no lottery system of its own, it does not collect additional taxes on those winnings.
If lawmakers ever pass an Alabama lottery bill, winnings would almost certainly be taxed at the state level, following the model used in most lottery states.
Until then, winners only need to account for federal taxes and the state rules where their ticket was bought.
Has anyone from Alabama ever won the lottery?
Yes. Even without an Alabama lottery, residents have claimed big prizes in other states.
Alabamians have won Powerball and Mega Millions after purchasing tickets in Florida and Georgia.
Wins have also been reported from tickets bought in Mississippi and Tennessee.
These cases show that while Alabama doesn’t sell tickets, residents still find ways to play and win.
Will Alabama ever get the lottery?
That remains to be seen.
While strong opposition from religious groups was a major hindrance in establishing an official Alabama lottery in the past, more and more people today are now recognizing the benefits that having one could bring.
However, lawmakers and voters alike have not been able to agree on how the money raised by a lottery should be spent.
In 1999, Alabamians turned down a lottery that would benefit public education because some believed the funds could be put to better use elsewhere.
More recently, in 2016, a lottery bill came close to being passed, but those in favor could not agree on how to spend the revenues created.
With Mississippi appearing to soon hop on the lottery bandwagon, Alabama lawmakers are now facing more pressure to come to a decision.
As to when that will happen – at this point, only time will tell.
Frequently asked questions
Many residents have concerns and questions over the Alabama lottery, so here are the most common.
Does Alabama sell lottery tickets?
No, Alabama does not sell lottery tickets of any kind. Residents must travel to nearby states like Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, or Tennessee to buy them.
Can you buy lottery tickets in Alabama?
No, you cannot legally buy lottery tickets in Alabama. All ticket sales are prohibited under the state constitution, which bans lotteries and gift enterprises.
Does Alabama tax lottery winnings?
Alabama does not tax lottery winnings because it has no lottery. Winners still pay federal tax and may owe state tax where the ticket was purchased.
When will Alabama vote on lottery?
There is no set date for a new vote. Alabama lawmakers frequently propose lottery bills, but none have gained enough support to reach voters since 1999.
Where to buy Alabama lottery tickets?
You cannot buy them inside Alabama, but you can purchase tickets in neighboring states. Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee all sell tickets for Powerball, Mega Millions, and local draw games.
Can you play Powerball or Mega Millions in Alabama?
No, you cannot buy Powerball or Mega Millions tickets in Alabama because the state does not sell lottery tickets of any kind. However, residents can still play by crossing into neighboring states like Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, or Tennessee, where both games are offered. Any tickets purchased there are valid, and Alabamians are eligible to win prizes, but claims must follow the rules of the state where the ticket was bought.
