India State Lotteries Complete Guide 2025

India State Lotteries Overview

India's state lottery system represents one of the world's most diverse and vibrant government-run gaming industries. Currently, 13 Indian states operate legal lottery systems under the Lotteries (Regulation) Act, 1998. These states include Assam, Nagaland, West Bengal, Sikkim, Kerala, Maharashtra, Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab.

State lotteries in India serve multiple purposes beyond entertainment. They generate substantial revenue for state governments to fund public welfare programs, infrastructure development, and education. They also create employment opportunities for thousands of agents, retailers, and support staff across the country. Each state operates its lottery independently with unique ticket prices, draw schedules, prize structures, and special festival bumper draws that reflect local culture and traditions.

This guide focuses on four major Indian state lotteries: Kerala (the pioneer and revenue leader), Maharashtra (the early adopter with festival-focused bumpers), Goa (the innovation leader with multiple daily draws), and Assam (operating through the autonomous Bodoland Territorial Council with the most affordable tickets). Together, these four represent the diversity, scale, and cultural significance of India's state lottery ecosystem.

Explore Individual State Lotteries

Comparison of India State Lotteries

Compare key metrics across India's four major state lottery systems to find the lottery that best matches your preferences and budget.

Festival & Holiday Bumper Lottery Comparison

Special bumper lotteries are organized during major Indian festivals and celebrations, offering significantly higher prizes than regular draws. This table shows which festivals are celebrated with special bumper draws in each state.

Which Indian State Lottery Should You Choose?

Each state lottery offers unique advantages depending on your preferences, budget, and goals:

Choose Kerala State Lottery if: You want the highest prizes in India (up to ₹25 crore), daily draws with consistent schedules, strong reputation for transparency and reliability, and substantial welfare impact through the Karunya Benevolent Fund. Kerala is ideal for those seeking the most established and highest-paying lottery system with 57 years of trusted operation.

Choose Maharashtra State Lottery if: You prefer a variety of price points (₹10-₹1,000) to match different budgets, multiple daily draws at different times, festival-themed bumpers celebrating Hindu holidays (Gudhipadva, Ganpati, Dasara, Diwali), or if you're located in Maharashtra where tickets are widely available. Maharashtra offers flexibility and cultural connection.

Choose Goa State Lottery if: You want the most opportunities to play with up to 5 daily draws, modern online lottery options through Great Goa Games (launched 2024), diverse schemes from affordable (₹6) to premium (₹250), or if you're interested in India's most innovative lottery system. Goa is perfect for those who value frequency and technological advancement.

Choose Assam State Lottery (Bodoland) if: You're looking for India's most affordable lottery tickets (₹2-₹6), unique dual series system that doubles your chances of winning top prizes, the cleanest track record with fewest fraud cases among Indian lotteries, or modest top prizes (₹1 lakh) with better odds. Assam is ideal for budget-conscious players and those new to lottery gaming.

Important Legal Information

Lottery regulations in India are governed by the Lotteries (Regulation) Act, 1998. Only 13 states currently permit the sale and conduct of government lotteries within their territories. Online sale of lottery tickets is illegal in most Indian states, and tickets must be purchased physically from authorized agents and retailers within the organizing state.

Players should be aware that lottery winnings in India are subject to 30% income tax deduction at source (TDS) for prizes exceeding ₹10,000, plus applicable surcharge and cess as per Indian tax laws. Additionally, all lottery tickets are subject to 28% GST, which is included in the ticket price.

Always purchase lottery tickets only from authorized agents displaying official state lottery seals. Verify your tickets against official results published on state lottery websites and in the official gazette. Be cautious of online scams and fraudulent websites claiming to sell state lottery tickets, as these are illegal operations that should be avoided.