A Pioneer in State Lotteries
New York launched its lottery in 1967, making it one of the first modern state lotteries in America (after New Hampshire in 1964). What started as a modest monthly drawing has grown into the largest state lottery in the country by revenue, generating over $10 billion in annual ticket sales.
Games Portfolio
New York offers an extensive lineup: Numbers and Win 4 (daily digit games), Take 5 (a daily 5/39 game), NY Lotto (a 6/59 game with some of the best state jackpot odds), and the multi-state Powerball and Mega Millions. Quick Draw, a keno-style game, is available at bars and restaurants. Our New York games guide covers every game's rules, odds, and schedules.
Education Funding
New York's lottery slogan — "Your Chance of a Lifetime to Help Education" — isn't just marketing. The lottery has contributed over $80 billion to education since its inception, making it the largest lottery contributor to education in the country. Revenue supports K-12 schools across all 62 counties.
Tax Implications
New York has some of the highest combined lottery taxes in the country. Winners pay federal taxes plus New York state income tax (up to 10.9%) and, for New York City residents, city income tax (up to 3.876%). A jackpot winner in NYC faces an effective tax rate of over 50%. Our tax guide breaks down the math, and the tax calculator lets you estimate your take-home for any prize amount.
Notable Moments
New York has produced some of the largest lottery winners in history, thanks to its enormous player base. The state regularly leads the nation in Powerball and Mega Millions ticket sales, which means New York retailers are statistically more likely to sell winning tickets simply due to volume.