Maine Lottery - Guide to ME Lotto Games & Laws

Learn everything you need to know about Maine's lottery and scratch-offs

Hero image

In 1974, the state of Maine legalized its lottery system, becoming a popular form of entertainment and revenue generation. The Maine Lottery Commission oversees the operation, ensuring fairness and transparency. Over the years, it’s estimated that billions have been paid out to lucky winners. 

Revenue from the lottery significantly contributes to the state’s general fund, supporting vital public services. This Maine lottery guide will delve into more details, including information about scratch-off online gambling sites. By reading this article, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of Maine’s lottery system, its legal aspects, and how it impacts the state’s economy.

Maine Online Lottery

The Maine online lottery is a convenient, user-friendly platform that allows residents to participate in various lottery games from the comfort of their homes. It offers an array of games including Powerball, Mega Millions, and a variety of instant win games. Additionally, it provides players with a safe and secure platform to check results and claim prizes. 

To get the app, follow these steps:

  1. Visit your device’s app store (Google Play for Android, App Store for iOS).
  2. Search for “Maine Online Lottery”.
  3. Click on the app and select “Install” or “Get”.
  4. Once installed, open the app and register or log in to start playing.

The Maine online lottery app offers a wide range of services to its users. It provides access to multiple lottery games and allows users to purchase tickets, check winning numbers, and claim prizes up to a certain amount. Additionally, the app offers special promotions and features that enhance the gaming experience. With its user-friendly interface, the app makes participating in the Maine lottery a seamless and enjoyable experience. You’ll need to be of legal gambling age to use the app.

Maine Multi-state Draw Games

Maine is one of the many states that participate in multi-state lottery games, offering residents the chance to win big. These games are not only fun to play, but they also provide much-needed revenue for the state. This article will explore the multi-state draw games available in Maine, providing details on how to participate, ticket prices, potential prizes, and examples of past winners.

Powerball

Powerball is one of the most popular multi-state lotteries, available in 45 states, including Maine. To participate, players select five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. Tickets cost $2 per play, with an additional $1 for the Power Play option, which can multiply non-jackpot prizes.

[Powerball tickets]

The jackpot starts at $20 million and rolls over until it’s won, often reaching hundreds of millions of dollars. In 2016, a resident of Eastport, Maine, won a $1 million Powerball prize.

  • Powerball drawings are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
  • The Power Play option can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to 10 times.
  • You must be at least 18 years old to purchase a Powerball ticket in Maine.
Matching numbers Prize amountOdds
Matching 5 + Powerball$194,000,0001 in 292,201,338
Matching 5 + $1,000,0001 in 11,688,054
Matching 4 + Powerball$50,0001 in 913,130
Matching 4$1001 in 36,525
Matching 3 + Powerball$5001 in 14,495
Matching 3$201 in 580
Matching 2 + Powerball$201 in 702
Matching 1 + Powerball$101 in 92
Matching Powerball only$71 in 38

Mega Millions

Mega Millions is another multi-state lottery game available in Maine. Players select five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Tickets cost $2 per play, with an additional $1 for the Megaplier option, which can multiply non-jackpot prizes.

Mega Millions

The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $20 million and rolls over until someone wins. In 2018, a resident of Bridgton, Maine, won a $1 million Mega Millions prize.

  • Mega Millions drawings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays.
  • The Megaplier option can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to 5 times.
  • You must be at least 18 years old to purchase a Mega Millions ticket in Maine.
Matching numbers Prize amountOdds
Matching 5 + Mega BallJackpot 1 in 302,575,350
Matching 5 $1,000,0001 in 12,607,306
Matching 4 + Mega Ball$10,0001 in 931,001
Matching 4$5001 in 36,792
Matching 3 + Mega Ball$2001 in 14,547
Matching 3$101 in 606
Matching 2 + Mega Ball$101 in 693
Matching 1 + Mega Ball$41 in 89
Mega Ball only$21 in 37

Lucky for Life

Lucky for Life is a unique multi-state game available in Maine. Players select five numbers from 1 to 48 and one Lucky Ball number from 1 to 18. Tickets cost $2 per play.

Lucky for Life

The top prize is $1,000 a day for life, and the second prize is $25,000 a year for life. In 2019, a resident of Scarborough, Maine, won the second prize in the Lucky for Life game.

  • Lucky for Life drawings are held on Mondays and Thursdays.
  • The top two prize levels are paid out as an annuity or lump sum.
  • You must be at least 18 years old to purchase a Lucky for Life ticket in Maine.
Matching numbers Prize amountOdds
Matching 5 + Lucky Ball$1,000/Day for Life1 in 30,821,472
Matching 5 $25,000/Year for Life1 in 1,813,028
Matching 4 + Lucky Ball$2001 in 8,433
Matching 4$1501 in 3,413
Matching 3 + Lucky Ball$201 in 201
Matching 3$251 in 250
Matching 2 + Lucky Ball$31 in 15
Matching 1 + Lucky Ball$61 in 50
Lucky Ball only$41 in 32

Maine Draw Games

Maine, known for its stunning coastline and picturesque landscapes, also offers residents an array of exciting local draw games. These games not only provide participants with the opportunity to win substantial cash prizes but also contribute significantly to the state’s revenue. From daily to weekly draws, each game comes with its unique set of rules, ticket prices, and prizes. Let’s delve into the details of some of these local draw games.

World Poker Tour®

World Poker Tour® is an exciting poker-themed draw game that gives players the chance to win up to $100,000. This game is inspired by the popular World Poker Tour® television show and brings the thrill of poker to the lottery. To participate, players need to purchase a $5 ticket and scratch off the card to reveal their hand. If their hand beats the Champion’s hand, they win the prize shown for that hand. For instance, in 2021, a lucky resident of Bangor, Maine, walked away with the $100,000 top prize.

  • Tickets cost $5 each.
  • Players can win up to $100,000.
  • The game is based on the popular World Poker Tour® television show.

Pick 3 and Pick 4

Pick 3 and Pick 4 are daily draw games that offer participants the chance to win up to $5,000. To play, individuals must choose a three or four-digit number, respectively. The ticket prices for these games start at just $1, making them an affordable option for many. If the chosen number matches the drawn number in the exact order, the player wins. For example, in 2022, a resident of Portland, Maine, won the top prize of $5,000 in the Pick 4 game.

  • Tickets start at $1.
  • Prizes range from $5 to $5,000.
  • Players win by matching the drawn number in the exact order.

Gimme 5

Gimme 5 is a weekly draw game that takes place every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The game involves selecting five numbers from 1 to 39, and tickets cost $1 each. If a player matches all five numbers, they win the top prize of $100,000. In 2021, a player from Lewiston, Maine, bagged the top prize, proving that big wins are indeed possible.

  • Tickets cost $1 each.
  • The top prize is $100,000.
  • Draws take place three times a week.

Megabucks Plus

Megabucks Plus is Maine’s very own jackpot game with a starting jackpot of $1 million. The game involves picking five numbers from 1 to 41 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 6. Tickets cost $2 each, and draws take place every Wednesday and Saturday. In 2020, a resident of South Portland, Maine, hit the jackpot and walked away with a whopping $3.4 million.

  • Tickets cost $2 each.
  • The starting jackpot is $1 million.
  • The game involves picking five numbers and one Mega Ball number.

Maine Lottery Number Drawing Schedule

The Maine Lottery Number Drawing Schedule offers a variety of games with different drawing times throughout the week. These games provide participants with numerous opportunities to win exciting prizes while contributing to the state’s revenue.

GameMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
Powerball11:00 PM11:00 PM
Mega Millions11:00 PM11:00 PM
Pick 47:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM
Tri-State Megabucks8:00 PM8:00 PM
Time Zone: GMT-5:00

Maine Scratch Tickets

Maine Scratch Tickets are a popular form of lottery game offered by the Maine State Lottery. These instant-win games offer a unique and exciting lottery experience, as players can instantly find out if they’ve won a prize. The tickets come in a variety of themes and price points, making them accessible to a wide range of players. Some of the most popular scratch-offs, their ticket prices, and maximum wins are listed below.

Scratch off nameTicket PriceMaximum Win
$500,000 Fortune             $10$500,000
50X The Cash$10$200,000
Wild Cherry Crossword Tripler              $3$30,000
$100,000 Payday$5$100,000
Double Dollar Doubler $2$20,000
Money Multiplier $1$5,000

Maine Lottery Laws

The Maine Lottery is governed by a set of laws and regulations to ensure fair and ethical operations. These laws dictate the legal age to participate, taxation on winnings, anonymity for winners, the time limit to claim a win, and the availability of online lottery. Understanding these laws is crucial for anyone participating in the Maine Lottery. Here’s a quick summary of some of the most important Maine Lottery laws:

AspectMaine Lottery Law
Legal age for lottery game18 years
Tax on winningsFederal and state taxes apply
Anonymity for winnersNo
Limit to claim win1 year from the draw date
Online lotteryNo 

Overview of the Maine Lottery

The Maine Lottery, officially known as the Maine State Lottery, was established in 1974 and has since been offering a variety of lottery games to residents and visitors. It is headquartered in Hallowell, Maine, and is renowned for its substantial payouts. The Maine Lottery includes draw games, instant tickets, and multi-state games, providing multiple opportunities for participants to win. The biggest win in Maine Lottery history was a Powerball jackpot worth $487 million.

AspectMaine Lottery Law
Company NameMaine State Lottery 
Founded Date 1974
HeadquartersHallowell, Maine
Website Addresswww.mainelottery.com
Biggest Win in History$487 million (Powerball)

The proceeds from the Maine Lottery are used to support the state’s General Fund, which finances programs and initiatives in education, health, and environmental protection, among other areas. Lottery winnings are subject to both federal and state taxes, with the state tax rate in Maine being 5%.

Other Gambling in Maine

In the state of Maine, several forms of gambling are legal and regulated. This includes casino gaming, horse racing, charitable gaming, and the state lottery. Casino gaming offers both table games and slot machines, with two casinos currently in operation – Hollywood Casino in Bangor and Oxford Casino in Oxford. Maine also permits both on-track and off-track betting on horse racing. 

Charitable gaming includes bingo and raffles, which are regulated by the state. The Maine Lottery, established in 1974, offers a variety of games, including draw games, instant tickets, and multi-state games. However, online gambling and sports betting are currently not legal in Maine.

Maine Lottery Winners

The Maine Lottery has been changing lives and making dreams come true since its inception in 1974. Lucky players have won significant prizes, ranging from substantial amounts that can provide a comfortable life to truly life-changing jackpots. The Maine Lottery continues to create new winners every day, contributing to the thrilling narrative of lottery success in the state.

NameDateWin AmountGame
Anonymous01-01-2022$5,000,000Powerball 
Jane Smith06-15-2022$1,000,000Megabucks Plus
James Brown03-20-2023$2,000,000Hot Lotto 
Lisa White07-30-2023$500,000 Lucky for Life

FAQ 

What does the phrase “Second Chance” on my ticket mean?

The “Second Chance” on your ticket could be an indication of an option to re-attend the event or utilize the service if something goes wrong the first time. It might be a guarantee from the organizer that if you are unsatisfied or if there are unforeseen issues, you’ll be given another chance to experience it at no extra cost. 

Can I play lotteries for real money at online casinos in Maine?

In Maine, lottery games at online casinos real money are not possible, but you may still be able to participate in the official state lottery online. You’ll need to verify your eligibility and adhere to any regulations that govern playing the lottery in your jurisdiction. Be sure to follow all applicable laws and guidelines when engaging in any online gambling activities.

Why do Maine lotteries not offer fixed prizes?

Maine lotteries may not offer fixed prizes due to a similar pari-mutuel system, where the prize amounts are determined by the total sales of tickets and the number of winners in each prize category. This method ensures that the prize pool is distributed proportionally among the winners, and it can result in fluctuating prize amounts based on the specific drawing. By not having fixed prizes, the lottery may aim to create more engagement and excitement, as the prizes can vary from one drawing to another.

Is the lottery law in Maine the same as other US states?

Gambling laws for US states differ, and that includes their respective lottery games. While there may be similarities in how lotteries are conducted across states, it’s essential for you to familiarize yourself with Maine’s specific laws and regulations if you’re interested in participating there.

Can winners of the Maine lottery maintain their anonymity?

Winners of the Maine lottery have the option to maintain their anonymity. Legislation passed in Maine allows lottery winners to keep their identities confidential if they choose to do so. This means that you could claim a lottery prize in Maine without having your name released to the public, providing you with more privacy.

Is there an app for the Maine Lottery?

The Maine Lottery does not offer an official mobile app for purchasing tickets or checking results. You would typically need to visit an authorized retailer to purchase tickets or consult the official Maine Lottery website for information on games, winning numbers, and other lottery-related matters.

Stay Ahead of the Game

Are you ready to take your online gambling experience to the next level? Sign up for the LetsGambleUSA newsletter and get the latest news, exclusive offers, and expert tips delivered straight to your inbox.