Players buy-in as lottery jackpot passes $1 billion
The odds of winning the $1.25 billion Mega Millions jackpot are infinitely small, but players are still lining up for a shot at the prize. (Aug. 3) (AP video by Mark Vancleave)
AP
Residents of most states will have a chance to win the $1.35 billion Mega Millions jackpot during this Friday night’s drawing, the fourth-largest prize in the lottery game’s history.
But while the Mega Millions jackpot has gathered national attention as it continues to inch toward a record-breaking amount, the jackpot isn’t available for everyone in the U.S. to play.
According to the lottery, the Mega Millions is played in 47 states and localities: 45 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Here are the states where the Mega Millions cannot be played, along with any lottery alternatives they may offer instead.
When is next drawing? Mega Millions jackpot at $1.25 billion, fourth-largest in history
Alabama
Playing the lottery in Alabama is prohibited in the state’s constitution. Bordering states Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia and Florida all play the Mega Millions and other lotteries.
Mega Millions: How much will the winner get after taxes? $1.35 billion jackpot shrinks quite a bit
Alaska
Alaska does not play Mega Millions or the Powerball, but it does have its own state lottery, with tickets available to purchase in person or online.
Hawaii
Hawaii does not play the Mega Millions, Powerball or offer a state lottery. In Hawaii’s state law, participating in gambling is a misdemeanor, and promoting gambling can be considered a class C felony.
Nevada
While gambling of many kinds is legal in the state, the Nevada State Constitution prohibits the sale of statewide or multi-state lottery tickets.
But that may not be for much longer. During the 2023 regular session, a procedural vote to establish a state lottery system and allow residents to buy scratch off tickets passed through the state legislature, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
The legislation must then be passed again in another successive legislative session, then ratified by voters in the next general election.
First time playing the Mega Millions? Here’s exactly how to ask the cashier for a ticket.
Puerto Rico
While it participates in the Powerball, Puerto Rico it is the only lottery jurisdiction to not participate in the Mega Millions.
Utah
Similar to Alabama and Hawaii, the Utah state constitution prohibits playing the lottery. Utah’s constitution states that the legislature “shall not authorize any game of chance, lottery or gift enterprise under any pretense for any purpose.”
