Notable Wyoming Lottery Wins
Since launching in August 2014, the Wyoming Lottery has produced winners across all five of its draw games. As one of the least populated states in the country, Wyoming's winner stories carry a special significance — in a state of fewer than 600,000 people, big wins create statewide buzz. The combination of Cowboy Draw, 2by2, Millionaire for Life, Powerball, and Mega Millions gives Wyoming players access to prizes ranging from daily fixed payouts to multi-hundred-million-dollar national jackpots.
Powerball and Mega Millions Winners
Wyoming's biggest potential prizes come from Powerball and Mega Millions. While the state's small population means fewer tickets sold per drawing, Wyoming players have claimed significant prizes in both games. The zero state income tax means Wyoming winners keep more of their prizes than players in most other states — a meaningful advantage on multi-million-dollar wins where state taxes elsewhere can claim 5-13% of the prize. For strategy resources, see our Powerball Guide and Mega Millions Guide.
Cowboy Draw Winners
Cowboy Draw is Wyoming's signature game, and its winners are exclusively from the Cowboy State. With a 5/45 format and a $250,000 starting jackpot that rolls until won, Cowboy Draw has produced multiple jackpot winners since its introduction. The $5 dual-play ticket gives each player two sets of numbers, effectively doubling the chances per purchase. Cowboy Draw jackpots have grown well beyond the starting amount when no one matches all five numbers for several consecutive drawings.
2by2 and Millionaire for Life Winners
2by2 produces the most frequent winners in the Wyoming Lottery due to its daily drawings and multiple prize tiers. The fixed $22,000 top prize is won regularly, and lower-tier prizes are claimed daily across the state. Millionaire for Life offers the chance at $1 million per year for life, and Wyoming players have claimed prizes across the game's seven prize tiers.
Claiming Prizes in Wyoming
Wyoming lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. Prizes up to $599 can be claimed at any licensed lottery retailer. Prizes of $600 or more must be claimed at the Wyoming Lottery Corporation headquarters in Cheyenne or by mail. Wyoming does not allow anonymous claims — winner names and cities are public record, though the state's small population means many winners are recognized in their communities.
Taxes on Wyoming Lottery Winnings
Wyoming has no state income tax, making it one of the best states in the country to win the lottery. Federal withholding of 24% applies to prizes over $5,000, but there is no state tax layer on top. For a $1 million Powerball prize, a Wyoming winner keeps roughly $760,000 after federal taxes, compared to $660,000-$710,000 in states with income taxes. Use our Jackpot Tax Calculator to model the difference between lump sum and annuity for any prize amount.