Most states now operate an official state lottery for the purpose of raising revenue for education, public outreach programs, or some other stated cause. A state lottery usually consists of games where the contestant chooses numbers for a jackpot drawing along with scratch-off tickets that offer the chance to instantly win cash or other prizes. Official state lotteries are "games of chance" by design, giving all contestants an equal shot at winning. Prizes can range from free tickets to tens of millions of dollars, although games with the biggest prizes also have the lowest odds of winning.
Idaho State Lottery Law Overview
The Idaho state lottery was started in 1989, a year after voters approved a state constitutional amendment repealing a ban on lotteries. The Idaho Lottery also participates in Powerball and other multi-state jackpot games. The Lottery Commission claims that it distributed roughly $650 million in Lottery dividends to public schools and other public buildings.
As in other states, lottery winnings are subject to garnishment for unpaid taxes, child support, or spousal support. Winners have up to 180 days in which to claim their prize before it is added to the prize pool of future games.
The following chart provides additional details about state lottery laws in Idaho.
| Code Section | 67-7401, et seq. |
| Distribution of Lottery Revenue | 45% prize expense; 15% administrative costs; 3% advertising and promotional costs. Of rest of net income: 1/2 to permanent building account; 1/2 to school district building account with a one-time allotment to permanent building fund advisory council for Vietnam Veterans Memorial |
| Additional Purpose of Lottery | To benefit public purposes consonant with the public good |
| Lottery Prize Subject to Garnishment | Subject to garnishment for unpaid taxes, child or spousal support; or public assistance benefits |
| Time Limit to Claim Prize/Disposition | 180 days/added to future prize pools |
| Prohibited Related Activities | Sales to minors; counterfeited, altered, or forged tickets |
Note: State laws are always subject to change at any time through the enactment of newly signed legislation or voter-approved ballot initiatives, decisions from higher courts, and other means. You should contact an Idaho gaming attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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Idaho State Lottery Laws: Related Resources
