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Starting May 7, 2025, Louisiana Lottery will implement a significant change to the Lotto prize structure, moving from variable pari-mutuel prizes to fixed prize amounts for Match-5 and Match-4 winners.
Major changes coming to the Louisiana Lotto prizes
Louisiana's flagship lottery game is transitioning to a simpler prize structure. Beginning with the May 7 drawing, players who match five numbers will receive a fixed $1,000 prize, while those matching four numbers will win $50.
Currently, these prize tiers use a pari-mutuel format, meaning the prize pool is divided equally among all winners in each tier. This has resulted in average payouts of approximately $1,000 for Match-5 and $50 for Match-4, though actual amounts vary with each drawing.
The change aims to streamline prize communication, making it easier for players to understand potential winnings.
Multidraw step-down begins February 26
As with all draw game changes, Lotto's multidraw feature will temporarily step down starting Wednesday, February 26, 2025. The full multidraw option will return on May 4, 2025, when sales begin for drawings using the new fixed prize structure.
How to play Louisiana Lotto
For just $1 per drawing, players can participate in Louisiana's flagship lottery game with a starting jackpot of $500,000 cash. To play:
- Choose six numbers from 1 through 42
- Select your own numbers or use Quick Pick
- Purchase tickets before 9:30 p.m. on drawing nights (Wednesday and Saturday)
- Tickets purchased after 9:30 p.m. will be valid for future drawings
Players can participate through several methods:
- Paper playslip using blue or black ink
- Digital playslip via the Louisiana Lottery Official Mobile App
- Asking a retailer for Quick Pick selections
- Using the Replay feature to play the same numbers from a previous ticket
Multidraw options
The multidraw feature allows players to use the same numbers for consecutive drawings (2, 3, 4, 5, 10 or 20). When claiming a prize, winners receive an Exchange ticket for the remaining drawings.
If you win the jackpot, sign the back of your ticket immediately for security purposes and keep it in a safe place, treating it as cash. Contact Louisiana Lottery headquarters right away at 225-297-2000 to arrange to claim your prize and address any questions. You must bring the original ticket to the Lottery's Baton Rouge headquarters within 180 days of the drawing. Before claiming your jackpot prize, consider consulting with a financial advisor to understand the tax implications and other legal considerations that come with a significant windfall.
Winner anonymity
Winners of prizes over $600 must complete a claim form for tax purposes. Under Lottery statute, prize payment records are public information. Depending on the amount won and public interest, winners may not remain anonymous. The Lottery can use winners' names and city of residence for publicity but typically doesn't use winner information in paid advertising without consent.
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