Resources
Guides to help you understand lottery taxes, payouts, and what to do if you win.
We publish new articles regularly covering lottery rules, tax strategies, winner stories, and more. Check back often or bookmark this page.
May 5, 2026 · 6 min read
How to Run a Lottery Pool at Work Without It Becoming a Nightmare
Office lottery pools are fun until someone wins. Here is how to set one up properly so a big jackpot does not turn into a legal dispute.
April 27, 2026 · 6 min read
Why Do So Many Lottery Winners Go Broke?
Winning millions should mean financial security for life. So why do so many jackpot winners end up broke within a few years? The reasons are more predictable than you think.
April 20, 2026 · 5 min read
State Lottery Tax Rates: The Complete 2026 Guide
Every state's tax rate on lottery winnings in one place. See how your state compares and what it means for your actual take-home on any jackpot.
April 20, 2026 · 6 min read
What Happens to Lottery Winnings When You Die?
Whether you took the lump sum or the annuity, your jackpot does not simply pass to your heirs automatically. Here is what estate planning gets right and wrong for lottery winners.
April 20, 2026 · 5 min read
Do You Pay Taxes on Lottery Winnings You Give Away?
Giving money to family after a big win sounds simple. The tax rules are not. Here is what you need to know about gift tax, income tax, and the right order of operations.
April 20, 2026 · 6 min read
The Biggest Lottery Winners in US History
From the $2.04 billion Powerball record to cautionary tales of winners who lost it all. Here is what the biggest jackpots in history actually paid out.
April 20, 2026 · 6 min read
Can You Stay Anonymous If You Win the Lottery?
Your name does not have to be on the news. Here is which states allow winners to remain private and how to protect your identity before you claim.
April 20, 2026 · 5 min read
Powerball vs Mega Millions: What Is the Difference?
Both games offer life-changing jackpots, but they work differently. Here is what sets Powerball and Mega Millions apart.
April 17, 2026 · 6 min read
What to Do in the First 24 Hours After Winning the Lottery
Before you tell anyone or sign anything, there are a few critical steps every winner should take immediately.
April 16, 2026 · 5 min read
Which States Have No Lottery Tax?
Where you live when you win matters as much as how much you win. These states take nothing in state income tax on lottery prizes.
April 15, 2026 · 5 min read
How Lottery Winnings Are Taxed in the United States
Federal taxes, state taxes, withholding rates, and what you actually owe. A plain-English guide to lottery taxation.
April 14, 2026 · 5 min read
Lump Sum vs Annuity: Considerations for Choosing
Lottery winners face one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. Here is what to think about before choosing.
April 13, 2026 · 4 min read
How Much Do You Actually Keep If You Win the Lottery?
The advertised jackpot is just the starting point. Here is what lottery winners actually take home after federal and state taxes.