Notable New Hampshire Lottery Wins
New Hampshire has produced several headline-making lottery winners since 1964. The state's participation in Powerball (since 1995) and Mega Millions has given players access to some of the largest jackpots in history, while the Tri-State Megabucks Plus game produces regular regional winners.
The $559.7 Million Powerball Winner
In January 2018, a single ticket sold in Merrimack, New Hampshire won a $559.7 million Powerball jackpot — the largest prize in New Hampshire lottery history. The winner initially wished to remain anonymous, setting off a legal battle that made national headlines. A New Hampshire judge ultimately ruled the winner could claim the prize through a trust, protecting her identity. The case helped shape lottery anonymity laws across the country.
Megabucks Plus Winners
Megabucks Plus, the Tri-State flagship game, regularly produces jackpot winners across New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont. With odds of approximately 1 in 4,496,388, the game creates far more frequent winners than multi-state games. Jackpots typically range from $1 million to several million dollars.
No State Tax on Winnings
One of the biggest advantages for New Hampshire lottery winners is the absence of state income tax. While federal withholding of 24% applies to prizes over $5,000, there is no additional state tax bite. This makes New Hampshire one of the most winner-friendly states in the country, alongside Texas, Florida, and a handful of others with no state income tax on lottery winnings.
Claiming Prizes in New Hampshire
New Hampshire lottery prizes must be claimed within one year of the drawing date. Prizes up to $599 can be claimed at any licensed lottery retailer. Prizes of $600 or more require a claim form and can be submitted at the NH Lottery Commission headquarters in Concord. New Hampshire allows winners to remain anonymous for prizes of $10,000 or more through a trust.
Revenue Impact: Education
Every ticket purchased in New Hampshire supports education. Since 1964, the NH Lottery has contributed billions to the state's education system. In a state with no income tax and no sales tax, lottery revenue is an especially vital funding source. For strategy resources, see our Powerball Guide and Mega Millions Guide, or visit the New Hampshire lottery dashboard for results and analysis.