I think lottery winnings are taxable. In the United States, federal taxes are applied to lottery winnings, with the IRS withholding a portion of the prize. Additionally, many states impose their own taxes on lottery winnings, and the rates vary by state. If the winnings are large, they may also push the winner into a higher tax bracket. Winners are responsible for reporting their earnings and paying any additional taxes owed when filing their annual tax return. In some countries, lottery winnings are tax-free, depending on local laws.