Notable North Dakota Wins
North Dakota may have a small population, but it has produced some significant lottery wins. The state's most famous jackpot came in 2019 when a Grand Forks woman won a $50,000 Mega Millions prize. While North Dakota has not yet produced a solo Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot winner, the state has seen numerous six-figure and million-dollar wins across its game lineup. With only about 780,000 residents, per-capita ticket sales are competitive, and each winner makes bigger news in the tight-knit communities across the state. For strategy guides on the big games, see our Powerball Guide and Mega Millions Guide.
2by2 and Lotto America Winners
While the mega-jackpot games grab headlines nationally, North Dakota's most frequent winners come from 2by2 and Lotto America. The 2by2 game produces winners daily with its favorable odds (1 in 3.59 for any prize), and the $22,000 top prize is won regularly across the four participating states. Lotto America, with jackpot odds of 1 in 25.9 million, has produced multiple North Dakota winners in the five- and six-figure range. These mid-tier games deliver more consistent wins suited to the state's smaller player base.
North Dakota Lottery Taxes: Among the Lowest
North Dakota applies just 2.5% state income tax on lottery winnings over $5,000 — one of the lowest lottery tax rates in the country. Combined with the 24% federal withholding rate, North Dakota winners face an effective tax rate of approximately 26.5%. Compare that to New York (10.9% state + up to 3.876% NYC), Maryland (up to 12.7% combined), or California (up to 13.3%), and North Dakota winners keep substantially more. Only zero-tax states like Texas, Florida, and Wyoming offer better tax treatment. For a detailed breakdown, see What Happens When You Win and Tax-Free Lottery States.
Claiming Your Prize in North Dakota
North Dakota Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. Prizes of $599 or less can be claimed at any North Dakota Lottery retailer. Prizes of $600 and above require a claim form and must be submitted to the North Dakota Lottery office in Bismarck, either in person or by mail. For prizes over $50,000, visiting in person is recommended. Bring a valid photo ID and your signed winning ticket. North Dakota does not allow anonymous claiming — winner names are public record.
Lump Sum vs. Annuity
For Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots, North Dakota winners can choose between a lump-sum cash payment (typically around 60% of the advertised jackpot) or an annuity paid over 30 years. Lotto America jackpots also offer both options. Millionaire for Life's top prizes are annuity-only ($1 million/year or $25,000/year for life). The 2by2 top prize of $22,000 is paid as a lump sum. With North Dakota's low 2.5% state tax, the lump-sum option is particularly attractive — winners retain more of the discounted amount than in most states. Use our Jackpot Tax Calculator to model the difference.