The Mega Millions lottery is one of the biggest multi-state lotteries in the United States. It is offered in nearly every state, with the exception of a few that do not participate. Mega Millions draws happen twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays. The minimum Mega Millions jackpot starts at $40 million and continues to grow until there is a winner. Some of the largest Mega Millions jackpots have exceeded $1 billion.
With Mega Millions being offered in most states across the country, many people wonder if tickets can be purchased in popular tourist destinations like Las Vegas. The short answer is yes, Mega Millions tickets are readily available for purchase in Las Vegas.
Mega Millions Lottery Overview
The Mega Millions lottery got its start in 1996 as The Big Game. It was initially offered in six states – Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Virginia. Over the next several years it expanded to more states and underwent a name change to Mega Millions in 2002.
Mega Millions is coordinated by the Multi-State Lottery Association. The member lotteries that offer the game are:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
In total, Mega Millions is available in 45 states plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The only states that do not offer Mega Millions are Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.
Mega Millions drawings are held at 11 p.m. Eastern Time every Tuesday and Friday. Players can buy tickets until 10:45 p.m. on drawing nights. Tickets cost $2 per play.
To play, players select five main numbers from 1-70 and one Mega Ball number from 1-25. There are nine prize tiers in total, ranging from $2 for matching just the Mega Ball up to the jackpot for matching all six numbers.
The starting guaranteed Mega Millions jackpot is $40 million. The jackpot grows based on ticket sales and rolls over if there is no top prize winner. Jackpots have exceeded $500 million on multiple occasions. The current record Mega Millions jackpot is $1.537 billion, won in South Carolina on October 23, 2018.
Are Mega Millions Tickets Sold in Las Vegas?
Although the Mega Millions lottery is played coast to coast, it is not available everywhere. One notable exception is Nevada. Mega Millions tickets cannot be purchased anywhere in Nevada, including Las Vegas.
The reason Mega Millions is not offered in Nevada is because the state only allows lotteries run by the state government. Mega Millions is coordinated by the Multi-State Lottery Association, not the Nevada state government, so it is prohibited.
Nevada does have its own state lottery though. The Nevada Lottery primarily offers draw games like Powerball and MegaBucks. Powerball functions similarly to Mega Millions but is run by a different lottery association. Nevada joined Powerball in 2010. MegaBucks is Nevada’s exclusive in-state jackpot game.
While residents and visitors in Nevada cannot play Mega Millions or take a chance at its giant jackpots, they do have opportunities to win big prizes through Nevada’s own lottery. Major lotteries are still part of the gambling culture in Las Vegas and across Nevada.
Other Lottery Games Available in Las Vegas
Although Mega Millions is not available, there are still lottery options for those spending time in Las Vegas:
Powerball
Powerball is operated by a different lottery association but is extremely similar to Mega Millions. To play, players pick five numbers from 1 to 69, plus one Powerball from 1 to 26. Powerball jackpots also start at $40 million and rolls over when there is no winner. Tickets can be purchased in Nevada for $2 each.
MegaBucks
MegaBucks is Nevada’s exclusive in-state progressive jackpot game. Drawings take place twice per week. Players choose 6 numbers from 1 to 42. The minimum jackpot is $1 million, with rollovers after each drawing with no winner. MegaBucks holds the record for the largest slot machine jackpot ever at $39.7 million won in 2003.
Scratchers
The Nevada Lottery offers numerous scratch card games ranging from $1 to $25 per card. Scratchers offer smaller prizes but better odds than the draw games. Some scratchers have themes like bingo or poker that tie into Las Vegas gambling culture.
Keno
Keno is a fast action lottery-style game commonly found in Nevada casinos. Players pick up to 10 numbers from 1-80 and can win based on how many numbers match the 20 numbers randomly drawn. Keno prizes vary by casino.
Lottery Drawings
Visitors can watch Powerball and MegaBucks drawings as they happen live at the lottery’s draw studio inside the Treasure Island Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Drawings are open to the public and free to attend.
So while Mega Millions itself is not sold in Las Vegas, there are still plenty of other big jackpot lottery options for visitors feeling lucky during their time in Las Vegas. Powerball, MegaBucks, and Nevada scratchers give players chances to win life-changing sums of money. Lottery games continue to be a significant part of the overall gaming industry in Las Vegas.
Where Can You Buy Mega Millions Tickets Near Las Vegas?
The nearest locations to purchase Mega Millions tickets from Las Vegas are over state lines in Arizona and California. The border cities of Bullhead City, Arizona and Primm, Nevada are the closest options for Nevada residents.
Bullhead City, Arizona
Bullhead City is located along the Colorado River across from Laughlin, Nevada. It is about 90 miles from central Las Vegas via Highway 93 and takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to drive there. Bullhead City is the nearest place for Las Vegans to cross state lines and purchase Mega Millions tickets.
There are roughly a half dozen convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores selling official Arizona Lottery products in Bullhead City. Residents from the Las Vegas area frequently drive to Bullhead City not only for lottery tickets but also for groceries and cheaper gas.
Primm, Nevada
Primm is directly across the California border from Nevada, about 45 miles southwest of Las Vegas. The trip takes about 45 minutes by car via Interstate 15. Primm has one Smoke Shop and Liquor store that is an official retailer for the California Lottery.
So while Primm is technically still in Nevada, the California border runs right through the small town. Residents can cross to the side that’s jurisdictionally in California and buy Mega Millions tickets there without needing to drive very far from Las Vegas.
Of course, the downside is you must go out of state and make a special trip just to participate in Mega Millions and have a chance at those huge jackpots. But for lottery enthusiasts near Las Vegas, taking a short drive to Bullhead City or Primm for Mega Millions tickets can be worth it.
The History of Gambling and Lotteries in Nevada
To understand why Mega Millions is not available in Las Vegas, it helps to know the history of gambling in Nevada.
Pre-1900s – Early Gambling in Nevada
Gambling first came to Nevada in the 1800s through saloons, offering games like Faro and poker to miners flocking to the area during the gold rush era. Unregulated gambling flourished and by the late 1800s, Las Vegas was established as a railroad town and stopover for travelers where gambling was basically accepted.
1910s – Ban on Gambling
In 1909, Nevada outlawed all forms of gambling. The ban was enacted to reduce bad behavior and crimes associated with gambling. However, underground gambling continued illegally in speakeasies. Enforcement of gambling laws was minimal.
1930s – Return of Legalized Gambling
The Great Depression caused Nevada to re-legalize gambling in 1931 to stimulate the economy and generate tourist revenue. Las Vegas began to grow as a gambling destination. Pari-mutuel betting on horse racing was also legalized.
1960s – 1970s – Modern Casino Era
The Las Vegas Strip transformed into the gambling megaresort destination it’s known as today. Major properties like Caesars Palace and the International Hotel (which became the Las Vegas Hilton) were constructed during this period.
1980s – Present Day
Las Vegas continued to expand with iconic casino projects including The Mirage, Bellagio, and Mandalay Bay. Gambling remains the core industry driving Las Vegas tourism. The Nevada lottery launched in 1985.
State Control of Gambling
A key aspect throughout Nevada’s history is strict control of gambling by state authorities. An 1869 statute gave the Nevada legislature sole power to license and regulate gambling activities. This allowed gambling again but only under state oversight.
The Nevada Gaming Commission was formed in 1959 to enforce gambling regulations, grant licenses, and prevent criminal elements – something the state failed to do in those early uncontrolled days of gambling.
Nevada’s gaming regulations and licensing requirements are still considered the strictest in the world. The state monitors all casinos and gambling activities closely to maintain integrity.
Lottery Regulations
The Nevada state constitution prohibits all lottery games that are not operated by the state. This ban prevented participation in national lottery games like Powerball and Mega Millions for many years.
State lotteries eventually came to Nevada but took a long time compared to other states. The Nevada legislature approved a state lottery in 1984 but organizers faced obstacles. The lottery finally began in 1985 but only offered scratchers at first.
In more recent times, Nevada has cautiously expanded lottery offerings beyond just scratchers. The state joined Powerball in 2010 and started draw games like MegaBucks. However, Mega Millions is still not permitted because it is operated separately from the Nevada Lottery.
So while Las Vegas has a long history of accepting gambling, participation in lotteries like Mega Millions goes against Nevada’s requirement that the state government runs all lotteries. The ban on outside lottery associations operating in Nevada remains in effect.
Should Mega Millions Be Allowed in Nevada?
There are reasonable arguments on both sides of whether Nevada should allow the Mega Millions lottery and join the consortium:
Arguments for Nevada Joining Mega Millions
– Additional revenue for state education programs funded through lottery profits
– Give Nevada lottery players access to Mega Millions’ huge jackpots
– Increase overall lottery participation which may generate more tax funds
– Let visitors vacationing in Las Vegas buy chances at Mega Millions
– Eliminate the inconvenience for Nevadans of having to drive out of state just to play Mega Millions
Arguments against Nevada Joining Mega Millions
– Dilute profits from the Nevada Lottery’s own games like MegaBucks
– Reduce money going to in-state educational programs funded by Nevada lottery profits
– Go against the long-standing state’s rights approach of regulating all gambling
– Open the door for more outside gambling interests to enter Nevada
– Increase social problems that can accompany easy access to lottery games
There are intelligent arguments on both sides. Like any complex issue, there are multiple valid perspectives. Ultimately, the decision would come down to what policymakers determine as being in the best interests of Nevada’s economy and residents.
For now, the status quo remains and Mega Millions does not operate in Nevada. But the debate around whether that should change in the future will likely continue, especially when Mega Millions jackpots keep exceeding $500 million.
Where Winners Would Have to Claim Prizes Won in Las Vegas
Since Mega Millions tickets are not sold in Nevada, any potential winners would have to claim and collect their prizes from another state.
If someone living in Las Vegas or visiting won Mega Millions after buying tickets in either Bullhead City, Arizona or Primm, California, here is the process:
Arizona Tickets
For tickets purchased in Bullhead City, Arizona:
– The ticket must be redeemed through the Arizona Lottery office.
– For jackpots, the winner can opt for the cash value lump sum or the annuity. Cash option is required for prizes above $100,000.
– A claim form would need to be completed and mailed or submitted in person to Arizona Lottery headquarters in Phoenix.
– The winner must also provide a valid government-issued photo ID and their Social Security number.
– After validation, a check will be mailed or funds direct deposited for the amount won.
California Tickets
For tickets bought in Primm on the California side:
– The California Lottery office would handle validation and payment.
– Jackpot winners could choose cash or annuity, but cash is required over $1 million.
– A claim form with ID and other personal details must be submitted to the Lottery’s Sacramento office.
– The prize money would then be issued to the winner once the ticket pass verification.
So even though someone may buy the winning ticket in Las Vegas, they would need to work through the neighboring state’s lottery process to actually claim the prize.
Do Neighboring States Allow Winners to Remain Anonymous?
An intriguing question for big jackpot winners playing Mega Millions from Las Vegas is whether they could claim their prize anonymously.
The answer depends on where you buy the ticket:
Arizona
– Arizona allows lottery winners of $100,000 or more to remain anonymous.
– The lottery will not reveal your identity without consent.
– You can create a trust under a different name to claim the money while keeping your privacy.
California
– California requires the names of winners be disclosed publicly.
– There are no provisions for remaining anonymous for Mega Millions winners.
– The California Lottery will issue a press release when the prize is claimed.
So for complete anonymity, purchasing the winning Mega Millions ticket in Bullhead City, Arizona would be the better option compared to Primm, California. Arizona does accommodate lottery winners who wish to avoid publicity.
Conclusion
In summary, Mega Millions lottery tickets cannot be bought anywhere in Nevada, including Las Vegas. The only options for Las Vegas residents are traveling to border cities in Arizona and California that allow purchases by non-residents. While Mega Millions reaching massive jackpots, Nevada has resisted joining for economic and regulatory reasons.
The Nevada Lottery offers similar games to Mega Millions, but with smaller prizes. Lotteries with drawings and scratch tickets continue growing in popularity across Nevada nonetheless.
It remains to be seen if Nevada ever changes course and decides to participate in Mega Millions. This would take an amendment to the state’s existing lottery laws. For now, the Nevada government’s long-standing position is to control all gambling and lotteries within its borders.
While visitors heading to Las Vegas won’t find Mega Millions tickets for sale, the state’s own lottery games still give fun opportunities to take a chance and hopefully get lucky. But to play for Mega Millions’ biggest jackpots, taking a quick trip across the border will be required.