Will lottery drawings still happen on Labor Day? What to know

For most Americans, Labor Day means a three-day weekend. It’s a federal holiday, so plenty of government offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026. But does the holiday mean lottery players will have to wait an extra day to see if they won? Not necessarily.

While lottery offices in most states will be closed for Labor Day, regularly scheduled drawings can still take place. The distinction is important for players who plan on buying scratch-off tickets over the holiday weekend or have any prizes waiting to be claimed.

Powerball will still draw on Labor Day

One of the biggest games taking place on Monday will be Powerball.

Powerball drawings typically take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET. The game doesn’t list an exception for Labor Day.

This means players can still have a shot at starting the shortened workweek with a jackpot win.

The same applies to Lotto America and Millionaire For Life, both multi-state draw games. Lotto America drawings are held Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights, and Millionaire For Life drawings are held every night. That keeps them both in play for participating states.

No Mega Millions drawings on Mondays, so nothing to worry about there.

For in-state draw games, most will continue as-is for Monday drawings. However, players should check their individual state lottery’s drawing schedule and ticket sales cutoff times before playing.

Lottery offices may be closed on Monday

While the balls will still be bouncing on Labor Day, getting help from a lottery office could be a different story.

The Hoosier Lottery has announced that all of its prize payment offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. The offices will reopen on Tuesday, September 8.

The same can be said for lottery offices in Wisconsin, Maryland, and Michigan. Most state lottery offices and claim centers will be closed, so check with your local office before trying to head out.

So, if you have a lucky weekend and get a winning ticket. That means it won’t become immediately claimable. Players with larger prizes that require an in-person visit may need to wait until the offices reopen.

Check before heading out

If you want to buy lottery tickets on Monday, you may want to check out your local lottery retailer’s hours.

Many convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and other lottery retailers may stay open on Labor Day. However, holiday hours can vary by location.

Ticket sales cutoff times can also differ depending on the game and jurisdiction. Powerball, for example, notes that sales generally close one to two hours before the drawing, depending on where the ticket is purchased.

The safest move is to check with your state lottery and local retailer before making a special trip.

While banks, government offices, and plenty of workplaces may get Monday off, don’t automatically assume your lottery numbers do, too. Labor Day could still end with someone holding a very lucky ticket.

Enjoy playing the lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.