Kentucky Lottery

Kentucky Lottery explained

Generally speaking, lotteries exist to generate revenue that can be put to good use, and Kentucky’s version is certainly making a difference. Education is the focus, and among other initiatives, lottery proceeds fund the very popular KEES Scholarship program.

Since 1999, the Kentucky Lottery has contributed more than $4.8 billion to provide educational opportunities to people in the state. Its mission is carried out with integrity, and administrators are committed to accountability, social responsibility, innovation, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Can I play the Kentucky Lottery online?

Yes, you can play the Kentucky Lottery online. There are nine different draw games available, with varying potential payouts.

When you’re on the online lottery page of the website, you simply click or tap the “Play Now” button under the game you want to play and follow the simple instructions.

Where can you buy KY lottery tickets?

It couldn’t be much easier to buy lottery tickets in Kentucky.

If you do not want to purchase them online, they are available at convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, liquor stores, restaurants, pharmacies, bars, and VFW halls.

How do I collect Kentucky Lottery winnings?

Playing the lottery is a lot of fun, but winning is the name of the game. You can collect your winnings up to $600 at any Kentucky Lottery retailer, and as we have stated, they are ubiquitous.

If you are playing online, your winnings will automatically be deposited into your bank account. Players who win more than $600 but not more than $5,000 can cash their tickets at an Authorized Cashing Agent or Super Cashing Agent.

Authorized Super Cashing Agents can also handle up to $25,000 in winnings, and you can alternately collect your money at the Kentucky Lottery Headquarters in Louisville.

You have to go to the headquarters in person or request payment by mail if you win more than $25,000. For winnings of $100,000 or more, there is no mail option – you are required to seek payment in person at the Kentucky Lottery Headquarters.

Does the Kentucky Lottery sell Powerball tickets?

Yes, you can buy Powerball tickets through the Kentucky Lottery online or in person, and that’s not the only multi-state jackpot opportunity.

The Mega Millions and Lucky for Life multijurisdictional games are also available through the Kentucky Lottery.

Draw games in Kentucky

Draw games are very popular, and there are plenty of them, so there is something for everyone. This is a complete list of the lottery draw games in the great state of Kentucky:

Instant win lottery games in Kentucky

Depending on the luck of the draw is intriguing, but there’s something to be said for instant gratification as well. There are dozens of instant-play video games available online, and you can use the demo version to try them out for fun.

When you’re out and about, you can pick up scratch-off tickets at a retailer to win instantly. There are dozens of different ticket types, with denominations ranging from one dollar to $50. The Diamond Dazzler tickets cost $30, and the top prize is a life-changing $2 million.

Is there a Kentucky Lottery app?

Yes, there is a Kentucky Lottery app for iOS and Android operating systems. You can purchase tickets through the app, scan tickets to see if they are winners, check for the latest jackpot amounts, and you can view your history of wins and purchases.

How are KY lottery winnings taxed?

Kentucky lottery winnings are taxed in the same manner as any income. You have to claim your winnings as “other income” when you file your state and federal tax returns. Kentucky has a flat income tax rate of 4.5%, and some municipalities impose taxes on income as well.

Your tax responsibility will depend on your overall income, deductions, credits, etc. If you win more than $5,000 with one ticket, the state will withhold 6% for state taxes, and there is a 28% withholding for the federal tax.

History of the Kentucky Lottery

On April 14, 1989, then-Governor Wallace Wilkinson purchased the first lottery ticket that was sold in the state of Kentucky. In 1991, Lotto America, a multi-state jackpot game, was introduced, and the grand prize reached $39 million six months after it was launched.

In 2007, Kentucky rolled out the $75 million Cash Blowout scratch-off ticket, which was the highest payout for a scratch-off to that point. A year later, a group of Nukote International co-workers from the state took down a $61.5 million Powerball prize.

A milestone was reached in 2017 when lottery sales exceeded $1 billion for the first time. In the history of the Kentucky Lottery to this point, almost $7 billion has been raised for good causes, with just under $5 billion covering scholarship programs and other educational costs.

For news and updates regarding the state of online gambling in Kentucky, check us out at KY Betting.