Updated: Sat, Feb 23, 2019 @ 12:00 AM
Where America Gets Results! ®EST. 1996
Where America Gets Results! ®EST. 1996
The first-ever Multi-State Lottery Association game has returned. Lotto America made a dramatic comeback on November 15, 2017 and replaced the multi-state game, Hot Lotto. Currently, 13 states take part (with New Hampshire scheduled to join on February 4, 2018).
Lotto America was first introduced in 1988, before being replaced by the Powerball game in 1992.
The main game costs $1 to play, though players have the option to add the All-Star Bonus for an additional $1. With the overall odds of winning a prize at 1 in 9.63, it's definitely going to give the other multi-state lottery games some competition.
The jackpot starts at $2 million. Like Powerball and Mega Millions, it does not have a cap, so you can expect to see some large jackpots quite often.
Certain states may offer advance play for Lotto America, meaning tickets for a number of future draws can be bought. The exact number of advance draws you can take part in at any one time will depend on your state.
| Match | Prize | Odds | Prize Pool Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 + 1 | Jackpot | 1 in 25,989,600 | 23.10% |
| 5 | $20,000 | 1 in 2,887,733.33 | 0.69% |
| 4 + 1 | $1,000 | 1 in 110,594.04 | 0.90% |
| 4 | $100 | 1 in 12,288.23 | 0.81% |
| 3 + 1 | $20 | 1 in 2,404.22 | 0.83% |
| 3 | $5 | 1 in 267.14 | 1.87% |
| 2 + 1 | $5 | 1 in 160.28 | 3.12% |
| 1 + 1 | $2 | 1 in 29.14 | 6.86% |
| 0 + 1 | $2 | 1 in 16.94 | 11.80% |
| Overall odds: 1 in 9.63. | |||
| Match | Original Prize | 2x | 3x | 4x | 5x |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chance of Occurring | N/A | 46.8750% | 31.2500% | 12.5000% | 9.3750% |
| 5 + 1 | Jackpot | ||||
| 5 | $20,000 | $40,000 | $60,000 | $80,000 | $100,000 |
| 4 + 1 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | $5,000 |
| 4 | $100 | $200 | $300 | $400 | $500 |
| 3 + 1 | $20 | $40 | $60 | $80 | $100 |
| 3 | $5 | $10 | $15 | $20 | $25 |
| 2 + 1 | $5 | $10 | $15 | $20 | $25 |
| 1 + 1 | $2 | $4 | $6 | $8 | $10 |
| 0 + 1 | $2 | $4 | $6 | $8 | $10 |
| Odds | N/A | 15 in 32 | 10 in 32 | 4 in 32 | 3 in 32 |
Claim periods depend on the state where you purchased the ticket, but it varies from between 90 and 365 days. See all states' claim periods below.
Jackpot winners have the choice of receiving their prize either in one single lump sum payment, or once a year with the annuity option (30 payments over 29 years). They have 60 days to decide which way they want to be paid. During these 60 days, a player who originally opted for the annuity payment is able to instead take the lump sum payment option. If they do not make a choice either way, after 60 days, the player will automatically receive their prize as an annuity.
If you win a lottery prize worth over $5,000, you'll be expected to pay back 25% of it in Federal tax. Depending on the state you live in, you then might also have to pay a certain portion back in state income tax.
Rates of income tax on lottery prizes differ by state, and these differences are highlighted below. Similar to the Federal tax, these rates come into play when the prize is over $5,000, except for Iowan players, where their state income tax rate on lottery prizes comes into effect on anything over $600.
If you're a non-resident of the country (not a U.S. citizen) and you win a prize over $5,000 on the lottery, your winnings will be subject to 30% Federal tax and the income tax of the state in which you bought the winning ticket. You may also have to pay other fees, too.
In the event of a big lottery win, it's advised that you contact professional financial consultants for further advice on what you can expect to pay back in tax.
With the game being supervised by the Multi-State Lottery Association, it's likely that you will have to go public about a jackpot win, unless you live in one of the following states:
While the original game's first draw was in 1988, the first draw of the revamped version took place on November 15, 2017, with ticket sales for the draw starting on November 12, 2017.
February 13, 1988 - Lotto America is introduced, with seven inaugural state members, before being succeeded by Powerball in 1992, having grown to 16 state members.
February 20, 1988 - Lotto America has its first winner, who grabs $3 million in the second week of the game.
Lotto America originally started off as a 7/40 game, where players picked seven numbers from a ball pool of 40. The ticket cost was $1.
The new Lotto America game keeps the $2 million minimum jackpot prize that was up for grabs in the original game.
While winners can opt for a lump sum payment in the new game, original Lotto America jackpot winners could only take the annuity payment for their prize.
At approximately 11:15 p.m. ET, every Wednesday and Saturday - following the Powerball draw. Ticket sales stop roughly an hour before the draw takes place.
18 in every participating state other than Iowa. If you're in Iowa, you'll need to be 21.
1 in 9.63.
Yes, but in order to take part, they will have to visit a participating state to purchase a ticket and then revisit that same state to claim a prize if they win.
$2 million.
No - it's uncapped, so it can roll over to hit astronomical amounts just like Powerball and Mega Millions.
Both those who live in states that do not offer the game and those who are not American citizens can play Lotto America.
If you're a non-resident of a participating state, but live elsewhere in America, you'll have to revisit the state you bought your ticket in to claim any prize and, if it's over $5,000, you'll have to pay 25% Federal tax as well as that state's lottery income tax (if applicable).
If you're a non-resident of the U.S. itself, you'll also have to revisit the state you bought the ticket in if you win and, if it's over $5,000, you'll have to pay 30% Federal tax and whatever that state's lottery income tax is, too (if applicable).
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