Game | Winning Numbers | Details |
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Mega Millions |
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Powerball |
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Lotto America |
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Lucky For Life |
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Pick 3 Midday |
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Pick 4 Midday |
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Pick 3 Evening |
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Pick 4 Evening |
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Powerball Double Play |
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Iowa Lottery drawing schedule
Each Iowa Lottery game has set draw days and cut-off times for ticket sales.
All times shown are in Central Time (CT).
Game | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
Pick 3 Midday | 12:20 | 12:20 | 12:20 | 12:20 | 12:20 | 12:20 | 12:20 |
Pick 3 Evening | 22:00 | 22:00 | 22:00 | 22:00 | 22:00 | 22:00 | 22:00 |
Pick 4 Midday | 12:20 | 12:20 | 12:20 | 12:20 | 12:20 | 12:20 | 12:20 |
Pick 4 Evening | 22:00 | 22:00 | 22:00 | 22:00 | 22:00 | 22:00 | 22:00 |
Lotto America | 21:15 | 21:15 | 21:15 | ||||
Lucky for Life | 21:38 | 21:38 | 21:38 | 21:38 | 21:38 | 21:38 | 21:38 |
Powerball | 21:59 | 21:59 | 21:59 | ||||
Powerball Double Play
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21:59 | 21:59 | 21:59 | ||||
Mega Millions | 22:00 | 22:00 |
About the Iowa Lottery
The Iowa Lottery has been running since 1985 and has contributed more than $2 billion to state programs.
Proceeds help fund the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund, the Public Safety Survivor Benefits Fund, the State General Fund, and the Vision Iowa Program.
Players can enjoy a mix of multi-state jackpot games like Powerball and Mega Millions, in-state favorites Pick 3 and Pick 4, plus a wide range of scratch-offs, InstaPlay, and pull-tab games.
Buying Iowa Lottery tickets
Iowa Lottery tickets can only be purchased in person at licensed retailers across the state.
Online, mail, or phone sales are not permitted.
You can pay with cash, debit card, or check, and itās recommended that you sign your ticket immediately after purchase to confirm ownership.
How old to buy lottery tickets in Iowa?
You must be 21 years or older to purchase Iowa Lottery tickets and claim prizes.
If a ticket is won by a minor, a parent or guardian must sign the ticket and complete the claim form on their behalf before collecting the prize.
How to buy lottery ticket in Iowa
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Visit a licensed Iowa Lottery retailer.
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Select your game and numbers, or use Quick Pick for random selections.
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Pay with cash, debit card, or check.
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Sign the back of your ticket to secure ownership.
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Keep your ticket safe until the draw or until you check the results.
The Iowa Lottery mobile app can also be used to create ePayslips, making in-store purchases quicker.
Can I buy Iowa lottery tickets online?
IA lottery tickets cannot be bought online.
However, you can create an ePayslip through the app to make purchasing quicker at the store.
There is also a lot of helpful information about games and prizes on their website.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Established | 1985 |
Minimum Age to Play | 21 |
Ticket Purchase Options | In person only (cash, debit card, or check) |
Online Sales | Not available |
Claim Deadlines | Pick 3, Pick 4, Scratch, Pull-tab: 90 days; Multi-state games: 180 days |
Tax Withholding | 5% state (prizes over $600), 24% federal (prizes over $5,000) |
Headquarters | 13001 University Ave, Clive, IA 50325 |
Iowa Lottery Games and Drawing Schedule
The Iowa Lottery features a mix of multi-state jackpots and local daily draws, giving players opportunities to win both big prizes and smaller, more frequent rewards.
From Powerball to Pick 3, there is a game to suit every type of player.
1. Powerball
Powerball Iowa is one of the most popular multi-state jackpot games available in the state.
Drawings take place three times a week, giving players frequent chances to win life-changing prizes.
To play, you pick five numbers from 1 to 69 plus one Powerball number from 1 to 26.
The Power Play option, available for an extra $1, multiplies non-jackpot prizes by up to 10 times.
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Ticket price: $2
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Draw days: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
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Starting jackpot: $20 million
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Multiplier option: Power Play ($1)
2. Mega Millions
Mega Millions IA is another major multi-state lottery game offered in Iowa.
Players choose five numbers from 1 to 70 plus a Mega Ball number from 1 to 25.
Drawings are held twice a week, and the Megaplier option can increase non-jackpot prizes by up to five times.
Jackpots often climb into the hundreds of millions, making it one of the most lucrative games available.
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Ticket price: $2
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Draw days: Tuesday, Friday
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Starting jackpot: $20 million
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Multiplier option: Megaplier ($1)
3. Lotto America
Lotto America is a multi-state lottery game that offers smaller jackpots than Powerball and Mega Millions but with better odds of winning.
Players choose five numbers from 1 to 52 and one Star Ball number from 1 to 10.
The All-Star Bonus, available for an extra $1, multiplies non-jackpot prizes by up to five times.
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Ticket price: $1
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Draw days: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
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Starting jackpot: $2 million
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Multiplier option: All-Star Bonus ($1)
4. Lucky for Life
Lucky for Life Iowa is a unique draw game that gives winners the chance to receive prizes for the rest of their lives.
Players pick five numbers from 1 to 48 plus one Lucky Ball number from 1 to 18.
The top prize pays $1,000 per day for life, while the second prize awards $25,000 a year for life.
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Ticket price: $2
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Draw days: Daily
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Top prize: $1,000 a day for life (or $5.75 million lump sum)
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Second prize: $25,000 a year for life
5. Pick 3
Pick 3 is a daily in-state game with two drawings each day.
Players choose three numbers from 0 to 9 and decide how to play, with options such as Straight, Box, Straight/Box, Front Pair, or Back Pair.
With simple rules and frequent draws, Pick 3 Iowa is popular with players who want fast results and smaller top prizes.
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Ticket price: $0.50 to $5
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Draw days: Daily (Midday and Evening)
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Top prize: $600 (for a $1 Straight play)
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Play options: Straight, Box, Straight/Box, Front Pair, Back Pair
6. Pick 4
Pick 4 works in a similar way to Pick 3 but requires players to select four numbers from 0 to 9.
There are multiple play types and prize levels depending on how the numbers match.
With two draws every day, Pick 4 Iowa offers more ways to win and a higher top prize than Pick 3.
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Ticket price: $0.50 to $5
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Draw days: Daily (Midday and Evening)
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Top prize: $6,000 (for a $1 Straight play)
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Play options: Straight, Box, Straight/Box, Front Pair, Back Pair
Scratch games and other options
Beyond traditional draw games, the Iowa Lottery offers a wide range of instant play products.
These include scratch-offs, InstaPlay tickets, and pull-tabs, all of which give players the chance to win prizes right away.
Scratch-offs
Scratch games, known locally as Scratch Games, are the most popular instant play option.
Ticket prices range from $1 to $50, with jackpots increasing alongside the ticket cost.
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Lower-priced tickets often pay out prizes in the hundreds of dollars.
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Higher-priced games can reach jackpots of $300,000 or more.
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New scratch games are introduced every month, and older ones are retired once top prizes are claimed.
Examples of popular scratchers include:
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Colossal Crossword ($30 ticket) odds of 1 in 2.29 with top prizes of $300,000.
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Wild Cherry ($10 ticket) overall odds of 1 in 2.83, with top prizes of $100,000.
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Holiday and seasonal games are limited-time releases with festive themes.
InstaPlay
InstaPlay tickets are printed instantly at the terminal and function as instant draw games.
Results appear on the ticket itself, and prizes can be claimed immediately.
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Some InstaPlay games feature progressive jackpots, which continue to grow until a player wins.
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Tickets cost between $1 and $20, depending on the game.
Pull-tab games
Pull-tabs are another instant win option sold through vending machines at participating retailers.
Players pull open the tabs on their ticket to reveal symbols, and matching combinations result in a prize.
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Ticket prices vary but are typically in the lower range ($1ā$5).
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Winnings up to $600 can be redeemed at the same retailer where the ticket was purchased.
Second Chance (Play It Again promotions)
Players can get extra chances to win through the Play It Again promotion, which acts like a Second Chance drawing.
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Non-winning scratch tickets are eligible for entry.
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To participate, join the Iowa Lottery VIP Club (free to join).
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Entries are submitted using the Iowa Lottery mobile app or website by scanning the barcode on eligible tickets.
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Prizes vary by promotion, ranging from cash prizes to unique rewards such as shopping sprees.
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Promotions rotate regularly, so players are encouraged to check the app or website for current offers.
Retired Iowa Lottery games
Over the years, the Iowa Lottery has introduced and later retired several games.
These games are no longer available to play but remain part of the lotteryās history.
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All or Nothing:Ā This game ended on June 30, 2017. Players had to match either all 12 numbers drawn or none of them to win the top prize.
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Scratch, Match & Win:Ā Iowaās very first scratch ticket, launched in 1985, sold more than 6.4 million tickets in its first week before being phased out.
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Other discontinued scratch and instant games are retired periodically as jackpots are claimed or when new games are introduced.
Iowa Lottery Advance Play options
Players can purchase tickets for multiple consecutive draws in advance.
The number of draws you can buy at once depends on the game.
Game | Advance Draws Available |
---|---|
Powerball | Up to 10 |
Mega Millions | Up to 10 |
Lotto America | Up to 10 |
Lucky for Life | Up to 10 |
Pick 3 | Up to 16 |
Pick 4 | Up to 16 |
Buying in advance ensures you never miss a drawing, even if you cannot purchase tickets on the day of the draw.
Iowa Lottery odds and jackpots
Each Iowa Lottery game has different odds and prize structures.
Multi-state games offer the largest jackpots, while in-state games like Pick 3 and Pick 4 give players much better odds of winning smaller prizes.
Game | Odds of Winning Jackpot/Top Prize | Top Prize |
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Mega Millions | 1 in 302,575,350 | $40 million (starting jackpot) |
Powerball | 1 in 292,201,338 | $40 million (starting jackpot) |
Lucky for Life | 1 in 30,821,472 | $1,000 a day for life or $5.75 million lump sum |
Lotto America | 1 in 25,989,600 | $2 million (starting jackpot) |
Pick 4 | 1 in 10,000 | $6,000 (on a $1 Straight play) |
Pick 3 | 1 in 1,000 | $600 (on a $1 Straight play) |
How to Claim Iowa Lottery Prizes
Claiming your IA lottery winnings depends on the game, amount, and how you prefer to submit your claim.
Use the steps and tables below to make sure you include the right documents and go to the right place.
Claim deadlines
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Pick 3 and Pick 4: 90 days from the draw date.
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Scratch and pull-tab: 90 days from the gameās official end date.
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InstaPlay: 90 days from purchase.
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Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life, Lotto America: 180 days from the draw date.
Where to claim
Prize Amount | Where You Can Claim | Notes |
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Up to $600 | Any Iowa Lottery retailer, any Iowa Lottery Claim Center; drop box at HQ; by mail | Pull-tab prizes up to $600 must be claimed at the same location where purchased. Retailers may have cash-on-hand limits. |
Over $600 to $250,000 | Any Iowa Lottery Claim Center, drop box at HQ; by mail | Include required forms and ID (see āClaim by Mailā). |
Over $250,000 | In person at Iowa Lottery Headquarters (Clive) | Appointment required. Some merchandise prizes and tickets of $1 million and above also require in-person claims at HQ. |
Appointments: In-person claims at any Iowa Lottery claim center (including HQ) require an appointment. Contact the location directly to schedule.
Secure drop box: A secure drop box is available at the Clive headquarters for leaving claims. Contact the lottery for instructions before using this option.
Claim by mail (step by step)
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Sign your ticket and fill in the required details on the back. If the ticket belongs to a minor, a parent or guardian must also sign.
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Include forms:
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Prizes of $100 or more: Winner Claim Form and W-9 (US residents) or W-8BEN (non-residents).
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Group claims: add Form 5754.
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Add ID: For prizes over $600, include a copy of a government-issued photo ID.
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Keep copies of your ticket and all documents.
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Mail everything to:
Iowa Lottery, 13001 University Avenue, Clive, IA 50325-8225
Required documents (quick checklist)
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Signed original ticket
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Winner Claim Form (required for $100+)
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W-9 (US citizens/residents, for $100+) or W-8BEN (non-U.S. citizens/non-residents)
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Government-issued photo ID (required for over $600)
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Form 5754 (for group claims)
Claim centers and hours
- Lottery Headquarters
13001 University Avenue, Clive, IA 50325-8225
Phone: (515) 725-7900
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Cedar Rapids Claim Center
2345 Blairs Ferry Road NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-1918
Phone: (319) 395-9313
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Mason City Claim Center
2900 4th Street SW, Mason City, IA 50401-1531
Phone: (641) 424-6011
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Storm Lake Claim Center
822 Flindt Drive, Storm Lake, IA 50588-3205
Phone: (712) 732-6662
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Taxes and forms
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Withholding: 5% Iowa state tax is withheld on prizes over $600; an additional 24% federal withholding applies to prizes over $5,000.
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Tax forms: Winners receiving over $600 will be issued an IRS Form W-2G for tax reporting.
Iowa Lottery tax information
All Iowa Lottery prizes are considered taxable income under both state and federal law.
The amount withheld depends on how much you win and whether you are a US resident or non-resident.
Taxes for US citizens and residents
Prize Amount | State Tax | Federal Tax | Total Withheld |
---|---|---|---|
$600 or less | None | None | 0% |
Over $600 to $5,000 | 5% | None | 5% |
Over $5,000 | 5% | 24% | 29% |
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Form W-2G will be issued for any prize over $600.
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Winners are responsible for reporting all winnings (even prizes under $600) when filing tax returns.
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Large prizes are added to your annual income, which may push you into a higher tax bracket.
Taxes for non-US citizens or non-residents
Prize Amount | State Tax | Federal Tax | Total Withheld |
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Over $600 | 5% | 30% | 35% |
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Form W-8BEN is required for non-US citizens or non-residents when claiming prizes.
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The Iowa Lottery will automatically withhold taxes at these rates, but winners may still be subject to additional reporting requirements in their country of residence.
Key forms for tax reporting
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IRS Form W-2G is issued for all prizes over $600, used to report lottery income on tax returns.
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IRS Form W-9 is required for US citizens and residents claiming prizes over $100.
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IRS Form W-8BEN is required for non-US citizens or non-residents.
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IRS Form 5754 is used for group claims to document individual shares of a prize.
Important notes
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No taxes are withheld on prizes of $600 or less, but they must still be reported as income.
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Federal and state withholding is automatic on larger prizes.
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Winners should consult a tax professional if they are unsure about their tax obligations, especially for large jackpots or group claims.
History of the Iowa Lottery
The Iowa Lottery was established in 1985 after lawmakers passed the stateās first lottery bill, signed by Governor Terry Branstad.
The first tickets went on sale on August 22, 1985, with the scratch game Scratch, Match & Win, which sold over 6.4 million tickets in its first week.
Iowa became a founding member of the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) in 1988, helping launch Lotto America.
Powerball followed in 1992, and Mega Millions tickets became available in 2010.
Iowa was also the first state in the nation to set the minimum lottery playing age at 21 in 1994.
Where the money goes
Since its creation, the Iowa Lottery has raised more than $2 billion for state programs.
Proceeds are directed to four main areas:
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Iowa Veterans Trust Fund:Ā Supports veterans and their families.
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Iowa Public Safety Survivor Benefits Fund:Ā Provides financial support to families of fallen peace officers and firefighters.
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State General Fund:Ā Helps finance a wide range of public services and projects.
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Vision Iowa Program:Ā Boosts tourism, school facilities, and community attractions.
Approximately 62% of lottery revenue goes back to players as prizes, while around 24-25% supports state programs.
The remainder covers administrative costs and retailer commissions.
Notable winners
The Iowa Lottery has produced several record-breaking winners over the years:
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Lerynne West of Redfield:Ā Won $343.9 million on Powerball in 2018, the largest lottery prize in Iowa history.
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Shipping 20 Trust (Cedar Rapids):Ā A workplace group that shared a $241 million Powerball jackpot in 2012.
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KJH Family LLC (Bondurant):Ā Claimed $202.1 million from a Powerball ticket in 2012.
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Timothy B. Guderian Trust:Ā Won a $200.8 million Powerball prize in 2006.
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Hugh Hawkins of Des Moines:Ā Took home $113.2 million playing Powerball in 2006.
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More recently, players have also claimed multi-million-dollar Lotto America jackpots and scratch prizes of up to $4 million.
Iowa Lottery App
The Iowa Lottery offers digital tools to make playing and managing tickets easier.
The LotteryPlus mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices and provides several useful features:
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Ticket checking:Ā Scan lotto, InstaPlay, and scratch tickets to see if they are winners.
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VIP Club access:Ā Join the free Iowa Lottery VIP Club to participate in Play It Again promotions and receive exclusive offers.
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ePayslips:Ā Create digital payslips to speed up in-store purchases.
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Results and jackpots:Ā View winning numbers, current jackpots, and upcoming drawings in real time.
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Retailer locator:Ā Find the nearest licensed Iowa Lottery retailer.
The app is free to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
While tickets cannot be purchased online, the app gives players convenient access to results, promotions, and ticket management.
Iowa Lottery customer support
Players can reach the Iowa Lottery through several channels, including in-person visits, phone, and online options.
Headquarters
- Iowa Lottery Headquarters
13001 University Avenue
Clive, IA 50325-8225
Phone: (515) 725-7900
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Regional claim centers
- Cedar Rapids
2345 Blairs Ferry Road NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-1918
Phone: (319) 395-9313
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Mason City
2900 4th Street SW
Mason City, IA 50401-1531
Phone: (641) 424-6011
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Storm Lake
822 Flindt Drive
Storm Lake, IA 50588-3205
Phone: (712) 732-6662
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Online and phone support
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Website Contact Form: Available at ialottery.com
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General Phone Line: (515) 725-7900
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Email: [email protected]
Iowa Lottery Social Accounts
You can also follow the Iowa Lottery on social media to keep up-to-date with the latest news:
Iowa Lottery App
Download the official Iowa Lottery mobile app to your mobile or tablet to bring all the info you need within the click of a button.
You can download the app to Android and iOS devices from the Google Play and Apple App Stores, respectively.
- Check your lotto, InstaPlay, and scratch tickets to see your prizes.
- Access the free VIP club to take part in Play It Again promotions.
- Get all the latest information about new games, jackpots and winning numbers.
- Create ePayslips to take to your retailer for purchasing tickets.
Frequently asked questions
For the Iowa Lottery, here are the most commonly asked questions.
Are Iowa Lottery rules different if you play online?
Since Iowa Lottery games cannot be played online, there is only one set of rules to worry about. Weāve laid out the relevant rules earlier on in this article.
How do I know lotteries listed on Lottery Critic are legitimate?
We get our information directly from the lotteries themselves and consistently check the latest numbers and jackpots to ensure we provide you with the correct information.
How long does it take to receive your prize if you win the Iowa Lottery?
Prizes up to $600 can be claimed straight away from a retailer if they have the funds available. If you claim via mail, the process usually takes around 14 days.
How late can you buy lottery tickets in Iowa?
Sales cut-off times vary by game, but generally tickets stop selling about an hour before the draw. For daily games like Pick 3 and Pick 4, sales close 20 minutes before the draw. Always check the official schedule to make sure you donāt miss the deadline.
How much is the Iowa Lottery Powerball?
A standard Powerball ticket in Iowa costs $2 per play. You can add the Power Play option for an extra $1 to multiply non-jackpot prizes. Jackpots start at $20 million and often climb into the hundreds of millions.
Which Iowa Lottery game has the best odds?
Among Iowaās draw games, Pick 3 offers the best odds with a 1 in 1,000 chance of winning the top prize. Pick 4 follows with odds of 1 in 10,000. Games like Powerball and Mega Millions offer much larger jackpots but with significantly longer odds.
What time can you cash in lottery tickets in Iowa?
Tickets worth $600 or less can usually be cashed at retailers during their normal business hours. Larger prizes must be claimed at lottery offices, which are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you mail your claim, processing may take up to a few weeks.
Can you be anonymous if you win the lottery in Iowa?
No, Iowa law requires the lottery to release the winnerās name, the amount won, and the area of residence for prizes over $600. You may claim using a trust, but the individual winnerās information is still required. Complete anonymity is not allowed in Iowa.
Can I buy Iowa Lottery tickets online?
No, Iowa Lottery tickets cannot be purchased online. All tickets must be bought in person at licensed retailers. The mobile app can help you check results and create ePayslips, but not purchase tickets.
How long does it take to receive Iowa Lottery winnings?
Prizes claimed in person at a lottery office are usually paid the same day. Mail-in claims are processed in the order received and may take up to 30 days. The exact timing can depend on the size of the prize and the claim method.