News writer
After a record-breaking streak of 101 consecutive drawings without a winner, an Austin resident finally won the fifth largest Lotto Texas jackpot in history - $83.5 million. This momentous win marks the end of the longest jackpot run since the game began more than 30 years ago.
The winning ticket was purchased at Winners Corner TX LLC, located at 7817 Rockwood Ln., Suite 101B, in North Austin. The lucky numbers drawn on Monday night were 19-21-25-45-47-52.
This prize has been growing since June 2024, creating the longest jackpot run in game history. By late January, the Lotto Texas jackpot had become the world's largest at $73.5 million, surpassing both Mega Millions and Powerball drawings. The growing jackpot captured the attention of lottery enthusiasts across Texas and beyond.
How the jackpot grew
The jackpot started at $5 million and steadily increased with each drawing as players tried their luck without success. By early February, it reached $75.5 million and continued climbing until Monday's win. At the time of the drawing, it ranked as the third-largest jackpot available worldwide.
The 101-draw streak shattered previous records for the Texas original lottery game. Each passing draw without a winner added approximately $750,000 to $1 million to the prize pool, creating mounting excitement throughout the state as the jackpot grew to historic proportions.
Three decades of millionaires
Lotto Texas has been creating millionaires since its inception over 30 years ago. As the flagship game of the Texas Lottery, it has maintained its popularity despite competition from newer multi-state games with larger jackpots.
This latest win adds another name to the growing list of Texas lottery millionaires. The winner now faces the significant decision of choosing between 30 annual payments or the cash value option - each carrying different tax implications and long-term financial considerations.
How to play Lotto Texas
Playing Lotto Texas is straightforward:
- Get a playslip from any Texas Lottery retailer or use the Texas Lottery app
- Select six numbers from 1 to 54, or choose Quick Pick for random selection
- Decide whether to add the Extra! feature for $1 more per play for a chance to increase non-jackpot prizes up to $10,000
- Choose between 30 annual payments or a cash value option (this decision cannot be changed later)
- Pay $1 per play (plus $1 more for Extra! if selected)
- Enter up to 15 consecutive drawings with the multi-draw option if desired
Drawings occur every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:12 p.m. CT. Ticket sales close at 10:02 p.m. on drawing nights, creating a brief draw break until 10:15 p.m.
Did you win?
For jackpot prizes over $5 million - including all Lotto Texas, Powerball, and Mega Millions jackpots - winners must claim their prize at Texas Lottery headquarters in Austin. Players with such winning tickets should call ahead to make an appointment for processing. All prizes paid by annuities also require processing at the Austin headquarters.
What's next for Lotto Texas
With this big win, the jackpot has reset. The next drawing on February 19, 2025, offers an estimated $5 million jackpot with a cash value option of $2.75 million. While significantly smaller than the record-setting prize just awarded, this fresh start gives new players the opportunity to begin the excitement all over again.
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