Mexico Lotería Nacional Official Information 2025

2024: 30 Years of Persistence Pays Off

On June 2, 2024, a man from Estado de México won MXN $262.6 million (Sorteo 3908) after playing Melate weekly for 30 years. He always checked his lucky numbers at his trusted agency. Upon winning, he stated: "This could be thought of as a 'pipe dream' but I dreamed and woke up as a winner." He plans to invest the money, create a foundation to teach his children and grandchildren about philanthropy, and provide his family with lasting financial security.

States with Most Major Winners

Jalisco holds the all-time record with the MXN $639.67 million jackpot. Veracruz, Michoacán, Sinaloa, and Tabasco have each produced winners with prizes exceeding MXN $300 million on at least three occasions, making these states particularly fortunate in Mexico's lottery history.

2019-2020 Transparency Controversy

Lotería Nacional received 2,941 information requests in 2019 (up 624% from 406 in 2018). Frustrated employees used transparency laws to protest loss of benefits under President López Obrador's austerity measures, filing 319 requests about medical consultations and 132 about daily cafeteria menus. A government official filed a criminal complaint alleging "abuse of transparency rights," marking an attempt to criminalize legitimate use of public information access laws. The case became a symbol of tension between government transparency promises and actual practice.

2024 Tampico Fraud Conviction

The former Lotería Nacional administrator in Tampico was sentenced to seven years in prison for fraud (January 2013-August 2019). He failed to report productivity incentives, falsified accounts, and exaggerated expenses. This represents one of the few successful prosecutions of lottery-related corruption in Mexico.

2024-2025 International Online Scams

Lotería Nacional issued warnings in June 2025 about fake Facebook pages (including "Sorteos Nacionales MX," "Aplicación Nacional," and "Casino Nacional") administered from Poland and Ukraine. These fraudulent sites promote fake lottery apps, gambling platforms, and sorteos with no connection to the official lottery. The scams attempt to steal personal information and financial data from unsuspecting victims.

Historical: 1915 Lottery Suspension

President Venustiano Carranza suspended the lottery on January 13, 1915 during the Mexican Revolution due to political instability. It remained closed for five years until President Adolfo de la Huerta reinstated it on August 7, 1920 with the name "Lotería Nacional para la Beneficencia Pública." This five-year interruption represents the only major operational gap in the lottery's 255-year history.

Historical: Colonial-Era Public Works Funding

From its founding in 1770, lottery proceeds funded major Mexican landmarks. These include completion of Chapultepec Castle, reconstruction of the Virgin of Guadalupe Sanctuary, the Kiosco Morisco (Mexican pavilion at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair), Hospital General de México, and Manicomio de la Castañeda (mental hospital). From 1842-1882, the lottery operated as "Lotería de San Carlos," funding the Academy of Fine Arts, sending Mexican students to study in Europe, and bringing renowned European masters to teach in Mexico.

2001-2004 Public Trust Mystery

On October 12, 2001, Lotería Nacional formalized a trust with Nacional Financiera to administer funds for public assistance. Between January 2002 and June 2004, the trust distributed MXN $206.2 million to 87 charitable institutions supporting 90 social assistance projects. However, on July 22, 2004, the trust was suddenly suspended by technical committee agreement (CTF1a./09/04-S) and ultimately dissolved in 2018. The lottery lost its power to grant donations directly. Reasons for the sudden suspension were never fully explained publicly, leaving questions about what prompted the shutdown of this charitable distribution mechanism.

Where can I buy Mexico lottery tickets?

Tickets are available from 9,000+ authorized agents throughout Mexico at locations including convenience stores, lottery kiosks, and authorized retailers. Each agent displays the official Lotería Nacional seal. Online purchase is possible through official platforms and licensed third-party websites, though you must be physically present in Mexico. The official website is loterianacional.gob.mx and official online sales occur through alegrialoteria.com.

Can I play Mexico lottery from outside the country?

While third-party lottery courier services claim to sell Mexican lottery tickets internationally, official Mexican lottery tickets can only be legally purchased within Mexico. You must be physically present in Mexico to buy tickets from authorized retailers. Online purchases through official channels also require verification of Mexican location. Be cautious of international resellers as their legitimacy varies.

What is the minimum age to play Mexico lottery?

You must be at least 21 years old to purchase lottery tickets in Mexico. This is higher than many countries (often 18+) but reflects Mexican law regarding gambling activities. Retailers verify age before selling tickets.

How do I claim a Mexico lottery prize?

Winners have 60 days from the draw date to claim prizes. For prizes up to MXN $10,000, claim at any authorized agent (the same location where you bought your ticket is convenient but not required). For prizes above MXN $10,000, you must go to Lotería Nacional offices at Plaza de la República 117, Col. Tabacalera, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. Bring your winning ticket and official identification (IFE/INE, passport, or professional card). All unclaimed prizes after 60 days go to the Federal Treasury for public assistance.

Are Mexico lottery winnings taxable?

Yes, but minimally. Mexico has one of Latin America's lowest lottery tax rates at 7%. This tax is automatically withheld at source when you claim your prize, so winners receive 93% of the announced prize amount. No additional tax filing is required for lottery winnings. Compare this to the United States where federal tax alone can reach 37% plus state taxes.

Can I remain anonymous if I win in Mexico?

Yes. Unlike the United States where most states require public disclosure of winners' identities, Mexico protects lottery winners' privacy. Winners' names, addresses, and personal information are not made public. This protection has been in place throughout the lottery's history and represents a significant advantage for Mexican lottery players compared to many other countries.

How does Mexico's lottery compare to other countries?

Mexico's lottery market (USD $10.046 billion in 2024) is significantly smaller than major markets like the United States (over $100 billion annually). However, Mexico offers unique advantages: very low tax rate (7% vs 24-37% in the US), winner anonymity protection, and 255+ years of continuous operation making it Latin America's oldest lottery. The record jackpot of MXN $639.67 million (approximately USD $32 million) is smaller than record jackpots in countries like the US, but represents substantial wealth in the Mexican economy.

What percentage of lottery revenue goes to prizes?

Mexico does not officially disclose its prize payout percentage, unlike transparent lotteries such as California (65%) or Spain (70%). Industry estimates suggest Mexican lotteries pay approximately 50-70% of revenue as prizes, with the remainder covering administrative costs (printing, commissions, staff, facilities) and transfers to the Federal Treasury for public assistance programs. Lack of detailed financial transparency remains a criticism of Mexico's lottery system compared to international standards.

How safe is Mexico's lottery after the 2012 fraud?

Security significantly improved after 2012. Key reforms include elimination of all pre-recording (every sorteo is genuinely live), multiple independent witnesses required at every draw, 24/7 video surveillance of sorteo spaces, QR code verification on tickets, and automated sales cutoff systems. The 2022 merger of Pronósticos and Lotería Nacional eliminated organizational gaps. However, the fact that no one was convicted in the 2012 case raises ongoing questions about accountability. While the operational security improved substantially, legal deterrents remain weak as demonstrated by expired statutes of limitations and lack of convictions.