North Carolina (NC) Lottery Results & Winning Numbers
Results Updated On:06 Nov 2025 (GMT)
| Game | Winning Numbers | Details |
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| Mega Millions |
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| Powerball |
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| Cash 5 |
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| Cash Pop Midnight Money |
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| Cash Pop Primetime Pop |
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| Cash Pop Clock Out Cash |
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| Cash Pop Lunch Rush |
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| Cash Pop Morning Buzz |
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| Midday 3 Fireball |
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| Midday 4 Fireball |
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| Double Play |
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| Powerball Double Play |
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| Evening 3 Double |
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| Pick 3 Evening |
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| Pick 3 Day |
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| Pick 4 Evening |
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| Pick 4 Day |
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| Lucky For Life |
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North Carolina Lottery drawing schedule
All times shown are Eastern Time (GMT-5:00)
| Game | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
| Pick 3 Daytime | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 |
| Pick 3 Evening | 23:22 | 23:22 | 23:22 | 23:22 | 23:22 | 23:22 | 23:22 |
| Pick 4 Daytime | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 |
| Pick 4 Evening | 23:22 | 23:22 | 23:22 | 23:22 | 23:22 | 23:22 | 23:22 |
| Cash 5 | 23:22 | 23:22 | 23:22 | 23:22 | 23:22 | 23:22 | 23:22 |
| Lucky for Life | 22:38 | 22:38 | 22:38 | 22:38 | 22:38 | 22:38 | 22:38 |
| Powerball | 22:59 | 22:59 | 22:59 | ||||
| Mega Millions | 23:00 | 23:00 |
About North Carolina Education Lottery
The North Carolina Education Lottery (NCEL) was launched in 2005, making it one of the newest state lotteries in the US.
The program has collected billions of dollars since its inception to fund education initiatives throughout North Carolina, which support school construction and Pre-K programs, and provide scholarships and transportation services.
Players can take part in popular multi-state games like Powerball and Mega Millions, as well as in-state options such as Cash 5, Pick 3, Pick 4, Lucky for Life, Keno, and Cash Pop.
Tickets are available at more than 7,000 authorized retailers, and players can also buy online or through the official NC Lottery app.
What time can you buy lottery tickets in NC?
You can purchase lottery tickets in North Carolina daily during retailer business hours.
Most locations begin sales early in the morning and continue until just before draw cut-off times.
The online and mobile application sales process operates with the same timing pattern, which ends right before each draw begins.
How late can you buy lottery tickets in NC?
The game determines when the cut-off time will occur.
The Powerball sales deadline occurs at 9:59 PM, while Mega Millions sales end at 10:45 PM.
Daily draws like Pick 3 and Pick 4 have cut-off times just before their 3:00 PM and 11:22 PM drawings.
What time does lottery close in NC?
North Carolina Lottery sales typically close just before the draw times for each game.
While retailers may close earlier depending on their business hours, online and app sales are available until the official cut-off for each drawing.
Can I buy NC Lottery tickets online?
North Carolina is one of the few states where you can buy your lottery tickets online.
You can also buy the tickets through your mobile device as the NCEL features a standalone mobile application.
North Carolina Lottery games
The North Carolina Lottery offers a mix of multi-state and in-state draw games, giving players daily chances to win prizes of all sizes.
Below you can find details on each game, including how to play, ticket costs, and draw schedules.
1. North Carolina Powerball
Powerball NC is one of the most popular lottery games in the US, with jackpots starting at $40 million and often reaching into the hundreds of millions.
North Carolina joined Powerball in 2006, and players in the state have claimed several large wins since then.
Play: Choose five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26, or use Quick Pick.
Cost: $2 per play. Add Power Play for $1 to multiply non-jackpot prizes.
Draw Days: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Draw Time: 10:59 PM ET
Advance Play: Enter up to 30 consecutive draws.
2. NC Mega Millions
Mega Millions NC is another popular multi-state game, known for producing some of the biggest lottery jackpots in US history.
North Carolina joined Mega Millions in 2010, and residents regularly take part in the multi-billion-dollar prize pool.
Play: Choose five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25, or use Quick Pick.
Cost: $2 per play. Add Megaplier for $1 to multiply non-jackpot prizes.
Draw Days: Tuesday, Friday
Draw Time: 11:00 PM ET
Advance Play: Enter up to 26 consecutive draws.
3. Lucky for Life
Lucky for Life is a unique game that offers players a chance at $1,000 per day for life.
North Carolina players have seen major wins since the state joined the game.
Play: Choose five numbers from 1 to 48 and one Lucky Ball number from 1 to 18, or use Quick Pick.
Cost: $2 per play.
Draw Days: Daily
Draw Time: 10:38 PM ET
Advance Play: Enter up to 28 consecutive draws.
4. NC Cash 5
Cash 5 is North Carolina’s daily jackpot game, starting at $100,000 and rolling over until someone wins.
Players can also add features for more ways to win.
Play: Choose five numbers from 1 to 43, or use Quick Pick.
Cost: $1 per play. Add Double Play for $1 and EZ Match for $1.
Draw Days: Daily
Draw Time: 11:22 PM ET
Advance Play: Enter up to 28 consecutive draws.
5. NC Pick 4
Pick 4 NC offers two daily drawings with prizes up to $5,000.
With different play styles and the Fireball option, it gives players multiple ways to win.
Play: Choose four numbers from 0 to 9. Select your play type or add Fireball for more winning combinations.
Cost: $0.50 or $1 per play. Fireball doubles the ticket cost.
Draw Days: Daily
Draw Time: 3:00 PM and 11:22 PM ET
Advance Play: Enter up to 14 consecutive draws.
6. NC Pick 3
Pick 3 North Carolina is a daily game with simple play and flexible betting options, offering top prizes up to $500.
The Fireball option increases chances of winning by swapping in an extra number.
Play: Choose three numbers from 0 to 9. Select your play type or add Fireball for more winning combinations.
Cost: $0.50 or $1 per play. Fireball doubles the ticket cost.
Draw Days: Daily
Draw Time: 3:00 PM and 11:22 PM ET
Advance Play: Enter up to 14 consecutive draws.
7. Cash Pop
Cash Pop is one of the newest NC Lottery games, with five daily drawings and instant win potential.
Prizes vary depending on your ticket.
Play: Choose one number from 1 to 15, or use Quick Pick.
Cost: $1, $2, $5, or $10 per play.
Draw Days: Daily
Draw Times: 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 11:59 PM ET
Advance Play: Enter up to 5 consecutive draws.
8. North Carolina Keno
Keno is a fast-paced game with drawings every four minutes, available daily.
Players can choose how many numbers, or “spots,” to play for varying prize levels.
Play: Select 1 to 10 numbers (spots) from 1 to 80, or use Quick Pick.
Cost: $1 to $10 per play. Add a Multiplier to increase prizes.
Draw Days: Daily
Draw Time: Every 4 minutes
Advance Play: Enter up to 20 consecutive draws.
NC scratch-offs and Fast Play
North Carolina Lottery scratch-offs are available in ticket prices from $1 to $30, with top prizes reaching up to $10 million.
Odds and prize tiers vary by game.
Fast Play tickets are printed on demand and offer instant wins or rolling jackpots.
Play: Buy a ticket and reveal symbols for a chance at instant prizes.
Cost: $1 to $30 per ticket.
Top Prizes: Range from a few thousand dollars to $10 million.
North Carolina Lottery Second Chance
Second Chance is a special treatment offered by the NCEL for registered users.
If you’ve purchased a lottery ticket and didn’t win, Second Chance gives you another chance.
You can take one more shot with the non-winning ticket.
Second Chance promotions regularly change, and for the latest information about the eligible games and drawing schedules, you should visit the NCEL website.
Use your NCEL account credentials to sign in and check the 2nd Chance Draws under the Lucke-Rewards tab.
North Carolina Lottery Advance Play options
Players can purchase tickets for multiple upcoming drawings in advance.
The number of advance draws varies by game, as shown below.
| Game | Advance Draws Available |
|---|---|
| Pick 3 | Up to 14 consecutive draws |
| Pick 4 | Up to 14 consecutive draws |
| Cash Pop | Up to 5 consecutive draws |
| Cash 5 | Up to 28 consecutive draws |
| Lucky for Life | Up to 28 consecutive draws |
| Mega Millions | Up to 26 consecutive draws |
| Powerball | Up to 30 consecutive draws |
| Keno | Up to 20 consecutive draws |
How to play the North Carolina Lottery
Playing the North Carolina Lottery is simple, whether you prefer multi-state games, local draws, or instant tickets.
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Choose a Game: Pick from options like Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life, Cash 5, Pick 3, Pick 4, Cash Pop, Keno, or scratch-offs.
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Select Numbers: Use a play slip to pick your numbers, or choose Quick Pick to have them randomly generated.
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Decide on Add-Ons: Some games offer add-ons such as Power Play, Megaplier, Fireball, or EZ Match for extra chances to win.
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Buy Your Ticket: Purchase tickets at over 7,000 authorized retailers, Play at the Pump stations, online, or through the official NC Lottery mobile app.
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Check Results: Winning numbers are posted after each draw online, through the app, and at participating retailers.
North Carolina Lottery odds and jackpots
Each North Carolina Lottery game offers different odds and prize structures.
Daily draw games like Pick 3 and Pick 4 have the best odds, while multi-state games such as Powerball and Mega Millions offer the largest jackpots.
| Game | Winning Odds | Minimum Jackpot / Top Prize |
|---|---|---|
| Powerball | 1 in 292,201,338 | $40 million |
| Mega Millions | 1 in 302,575,350 | $40 million |
| Lucky for Life | 1 in 30,821,472 | $1,000 a day for life ($5.75M lump sum option) |
| Cash 5 | 1 in 962,598 | $100,000 starting jackpot |
| Pick 4 | 1 in 10,000 | $5,000 |
| Pick 3 | 1 in 1,000 | $500 |
| Cash Pop | Varies by wager | Up to 250x the ticket cost |
| Keno | 1 in 8,911,711 (top prize) | Up to $1 million with Multiplier |
| Scratch-Offs | 1 in 3 to 1 in 5 (varies by game) | Up to $10 million |
How to claim North Carolina Lottery prizes
You have 180 days from the date of a draw to claim draw game prizes, and 90 days from the end of sales for a scratch-off game.
The process depends on the prize amount.
Prizes of $599 or less
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Claim at any authorized NC Lottery retailer.
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Claim at a Regional Claim Center or Lottery Headquarters.
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Claim by mail.
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Online and app prizes of $599 or less are deposited directly into your NC Lottery account.
Prizes of $600 to $99,999
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Claim at any Regional Claim Center or Lottery Headquarters.
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Claim by mail with required documents.
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Online players must follow the instructions in their account to claim.
Prizes of $100,000 or more
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Must be claimed in person at the North Carolina Lottery Headquarters in Raleigh.
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Online players must also complete the claim in person.
Required documents for claims $600 and above
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Completed NC Lottery Winner Claim Form.
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A valid government-issued photo ID showing name, age, and signature.
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Copy of your Social Security card.
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For mail claims, include the signed winning ticket and copies of all documents.
Claim by mail
Mail the signed ticket and required documents to:
NC Lottery
PO Box 41606
Raleigh, NC 27629-1606
Regional claim centers
NC Education Lottery Headquarters
2728 Capital Blvd., Suite 144
Raleigh, NC 27604
Phone: (919) 301-3637
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM ET
Asheville Claim Center
16-G Regent Park Blvd.
Asheville, NC 28806
Phone: (828) 251-6223
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM ET
Charlotte Claim Center
5029-A West W. T. Harris Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28269-1861
Phone: (704) 523-4898
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM ET
Greensboro Claim Center
20A Oak Branch Drive
Greensboro, NC 27407
Phone: (336) 218-5724
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM ET
Greenville Claim Center
2790 Dickinson Avenue, Suite A
Greenville, NC 27834
Phone: (252) 756-7992
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM ET
Wilmington Claim Center
123 North Cardinal Extension Drive, Suite 140
Wilmington, NC 28405
Phone: (910) 350-2000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM ET
North Carolina Lottery taxes
Lottery winnings in North Carolina are considered taxable income at both the state and federal levels.
The North Carolina Lottery automatically withholds a portion of winnings above certain thresholds, but players may still owe additional taxes when filing annual returns.
US citizens and residents
| Prize Amount | State Tax | Federal Tax | Total Withheld |
|---|---|---|---|
| $600 to $5,000 | 5.25% | 0% | 5.25% |
| Over $5,000 | 5.25% | 24% | 29.25% |
Non-US citizens or non-residents
| Prize Amount | State Tax | Federal Tax | Total Withheld |
|---|---|---|---|
| $600 to $5,000 | 5.25% | 0% | 5.25% |
| Over $5,000 | 5.25% | 30% | 35.25% |
Key tax information for players
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Automatic Withholding: The North Carolina Lottery withholds taxes on all prizes above $5,000. Smaller prizes over $600 are reported but not subject to federal withholding.
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Reporting to IRS: All wins of $600 or more are reported to the IRS and the North Carolina Department of Revenue. Winners will receive a W-2G form for tax filing.
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Impact of Prize Size: Large jackpot wins may move players into a higher federal tax bracket, increasing the amount owed at tax time.
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Annuity vs. Lump Sum: Powerball, Mega Millions, and Lucky for Life winners who choose annuity payments may be taxed annually on each installment, while lump-sum winners pay taxes in the year of the payout.
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Non-Residents: Winners who are not U.S. citizens or North Carolina residents are taxed at a higher federal rate of 30% on prizes over $5,000.
History, funding, and notable winners
The North Carolina Education Lottery (NCEL) was established in 2005 after approval by the state legislature and Governor Mike Easley.
Ticket sales began in 2006, making it one of the newest lotteries in the United States.
The lottery generated its first revenue for education purposes, which led to substantial funding for schools throughout the state.
Where the money goes
Since its launch, the NC Lottery has raised more than $9 billion for education.
These funds support:
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Construction and repair of schools
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Scholarships and grants for college students
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Pre-kindergarten programs for at-risk children
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Teacher salaries and school transportation
Lottery revenue is allocated annually by state legislators, ensuring funds go directly toward improving education across North Carolina.
Taxes and player considerations
Lottery winnings are taxable at both the state and federal levels.
North Carolina withholds 5.25% state tax and 24% federal tax on prizes over $5,000, for a total of 29.25%.
Non-residents face a 35.25% withholding on large wins.
All prizes of $600 or more are reported to the IRS and state revenue department, and winners receive a W-2G form.
The large prize amounts from jackpots will increase the federal tax rates for winners, and winners of annuities must pay taxes on each annual payment they receive.
Notable winners
North Carolina has produced several headline-making winners, including:
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2019: Charles W. Jackson Jr. of Cumberland County won a $344.6 million Powerball jackpot, one of the largest in state history.
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2016: A North Carolina player became the first in the state to claim Lucky for Life’s top prize of $1,000 a day for life.
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2015: Robin and Dale Summey of Lexington won $10 million on an Ultimate Millions scratch-off ticket.
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2015: Marie Holmes of Shallotte won $188 million in Powerball and chose a lump-sum payout of $127 million.
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2020-2025: Multiple residents have claimed prizes of $1 million or more on Mega Millions, Cash 5, and scratch-off tickets, including a Greensboro player who won $5 million on a scratch-off in 2025.
These wins highlight how North Carolina players continue to benefit from both multi-state jackpots and in-state games.
North Carolina Lottery customer support
Players can contact the North Carolina Education Lottery (NCEL) for assistance with games, claims, or account questions.
Headquarters address
- North Carolina Education Lottery
2728 Capital Blvd., Suite 144
Raleigh, NC 27604
Phone numbers
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General inquiries: 1-877-962-7529
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Online Play Support: 1-866-934-0289
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Headquarters direct line: (919) 301-3637
Email: [email protected]
Live chat: Available on the official NC Lottery website from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET.
Regional claim centers
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Asheville: 16-G Regent Park Blvd., Asheville, NC 28806 – (828) 251-6223
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Charlotte: 5029-A West W. T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28269 – (704) 523-4898
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Greensboro: 20A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407 – (336) 218-5724
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Greenville: 2790 Dickinson Avenue, Suite A, Greenville, NC 27834 – (252) 756-7992
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Wilmington: 123 North Cardinal Extension Drive, Suite 140, Wilmington, NC 28405 – (910) 350-2000
All offices are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET.
Social media
The NCEL is present on social media, too.
Find the newest information about lottery games in North Carolina on various NCEL social media accounts, such as:
North Carolina Lottery App
As mentioned, the NCEL has developed a native mobile app for players willing to purchase online lottery tickets.
They can also use the app to find a nearby lottery retailer, scan tickets to check for winners, enter them in Lucke-Rewards points, etc.
The app is available to both iOS and Android users.
Use the download link on the NCEL web page to take you to your respective app store.
FAQs
Does North Carolina have lottery?
Yes. The North Carolina Education Lottery was created in 2005 and began ticket sales in 2006. It offers multi-state games like Powerball and Mega Millions, along with in-state draws and scratch-offs.
When is the North Carolina Mega Millions drawing?
Mega Millions drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM Eastern Time. The ticket purchase deadline is set at 10:45 PM, so you need to purchase your ticket before this time. Results are posted shortly after each draw online, through the NC Lottery app, and at retailers.
Where can I cash a lottery ticket in North Carolina?
Tickets worth $599 or less can be cashed at most authorized retailers. Players who want to claim prizes above the smaller limits need to visit either a Regional Claim Center or the NC Lottery Headquarters or submit their claim through postal mail. The headquarters in Raleigh requires all prizes exceeding $100,000 to be collected in person.
Can you buy lottery tickets on Sunday in NC?
Yes. People can buy tickets for every day of the week, including Sundays, at authorized retailers and through the NC Lottery mobile application. The sales period runs until the moment before the scheduled draw time for each game.
Can I stay anonymous if I win the lottery in North Carolina?
No. State law requires the lottery to release a winner’s name, city, county, and prize amount as public record. Some winners use trusts or other legal options to manage publicity, but complete anonymity is not allowed.
How long do I have to claim a prize in North Carolina?
You have 180 days from the date of the draw to claim winnings for draw games. The deadline to claim Scratch-off tickets is 90 days after the game concludes. People can submit claims through direct contact, or they can use online platforms for minor claims or send their claims through postal services.
Are lottery winnings taxable in North Carolina?
Yes. Prizes of $600 or more are reported to the IRS and North Carolina Department of Revenue, with taxes automatically withheld on large wins. The winners need to pay extra taxes during their annual tax return process based on their complete yearly income.
Are North Carolina Lottery rules different for online players?
No, they aren’t. The only extra thing to do is to create an account on the NCEL website. After that, you can buy your NC lottery tickets the same way you do in retail shops.
Are all lottery games listed on the Lottery Critic site legit?
Absolutely. We used the official NCEL website information to create our page from day one, and we’ve been doing so for all the updates regarding the list of games, winning numbers, drawing schedules, and other details. Therefore, you can rest assured that everything you read on our website is trustworthy and accurate.
When will I receive my winnings from the North Carolina Lottery?
If you claim your prize in person, you’ll receive your money instantly. Also, the prizes under $600 won online will be automatically added to your account. On the other hand, if you decide to claim your prize via mail or any other method in case of online play, you may have to wait up to ten business days to receive it.
