Wisconsin Lottery

The Wisconsin Lottery’s game portfolio is comparable to those of similarly sized Midwestern states. However, it is more limited than those of states like Michigan and Illinois, which have expanded into online lottery games.

Although its game variety is just average, the Wisconsin Lottery scores well on the promotional front. Regular lottery players can take advantage of seasonal promotions, special raffle events, and second-chance drawings.

Currently, there are no indications that officials have plans to take the Wisconsin Lottery online.

Wisconsin Online Lottery

There are no legal means to buy Wisconsin Lottery tickets online. Players may only purchase tickets in person from authorized retailers.

Note: Players can visit the Wisconsin Lottery website or download the app to find nearby retailers.

Additionally, Wisconsin law prohibits lottery ticket couriers. That’s in contrast to most states, where local laws do not address third-party lottery courier apps.

Even in states without legal online lottery sales, existing laws permit customers to buy tickets as gifts for others.

Lottery couriers leverage those provisions in select states by purchasing tickets from authorized retailers, charging a small handling/delivery fee, and notifying users when they win.

In contrast, Wisconsin law explicitly prohibits lottery courier services. Wis. Stat. § 565.17(4)(1m) states:

“TICKET COURIERS PROHIBITED. No person may operate a ticket courier service in this state.”

Some state lotteries have unilaterally enabled online ticket sales through internal policy changes or unofficially authorizing ticket couriers, but it won’t be that easy in Wisconsin. Under state law, all lottery ticket purchases must be completed in cash.

Enabling players to buy lottery tickets online in Wisconsin will require legislative action to change state law.

Wisconsin Lottery Games

The Wisconsin Lottery games catalog consists of draw-style and instant-win games but features diverse offerings within those categories.

Players can aim for record-breaking jackpots via multi-state drawings like Powerball and Mega Millions or play Wisconsin-exclusive games for more modest jackpots featuring drastically better odds.

Wisconsin’s instant play category includes Fast Play games with progressive jackpots, pull-tabs, and scratch-offs at an extensive range of price points, some with top prizes of $2 million.

  • Mega Jackpot Draw Games: Powerball, Mega Millions, and Megabucks
  • State-Operated Jackpot Game: SuperCash!
  • Daily Drawings: Pick 3, Pick 4, Badger 5, and All or Nothing
  • Fast Play Games: Instant win games with no scratching necessary
  • Scratch Games: 75+ scratch at prices from $1 to $50
  • Pull-Tabs: Small collection of pull-tabs at prices from $0.50 to $2
  • Raffles: Limited-time raffles with a fixed number of tickets and prizes

How to Claim Wisconsin Lottery Prizes

Wisconsin Lottery winners have several claim methods to choose from, depending on the amount won.

Players must present a current driver’s license, state identification card, or passport when claiming Wisconsin Lottery prizes. Winners of $600 or more must also provide their Social Security Number, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or a completed IRS form W-8BEN.

Where to Claim Prizes up to $599

  • Any Wisconsin Lottery retailer
  • Wisconsin Lottery office in Madison or Milwaukee
  • Mail (mail claim instructions below)

Where to Claim Prizes From $600 to $199,999

  • Wisconsin Lottery office in Madison or Milwaukee
  • Mail

Where to Claim Prizes of $200,000 and Above

  • Madison Lottery Office only
  • Call (608) 261-4916 for an appointment

To claim a prize by mail, send the original signed ticket and a completed claim form to:

Prizes
P.O. Box 777
Madison, WI 53774

Contact the Wisconsin Lottery

Players can contact the Wisconsin Lottery via phone, e-mail, and mail.

Wisconsin Lottery mail address:

Wisconsin Lottery
PO Box 8941
Madison, WI 53708-8941

Wisconsin Lottery FAQ

No. The Wisconsin Lottery only offers in-person ticket sales, and state law requires cash payments for all lottery purchases. Additionally, Wisconsin is one of the only states where the law explicitly prohibits lottery courier services.

Players must be 18 or older to buy Wisconsin Lottery tickets. However, Wis. Stat. § 565.17(4)(a) permits to purchase lottery tickets as gifts for minors.

No. Wisconsin law states retailers may only accept cash for lottery ticket purchases.

However, compliance with the law is spotty. There are numerous reports online from players and local newspaper reporters who have purchased tickets from authorized retailers using debit cards.

  • Fast Play Tickets: Within 180 days of the ticket’s print date
  • Draw Game Tickets: Within 180 days of the drawing
  • Scratch Games: See each scratch game’s prize claim deadline here

State law requires the Wisconsin Lottery to allocate sales revenue as follows:

  • At least 50% paid back to players as prizes (actual payback rates are closer to 60%)
  • 30.3% funds property tax credits for Wisconsin residents
  • 6.4% for retailer commissions
  • 10% max for operational expenses (actual expenses are closer to 6%)