Betting on history: Lotto Texas nears record-breaking payout

The Lotto Texas jackpot has soared to $78.25 million for Saturday's drawing, marking the fifth-largest prize in the game's history. The jackpot currently ranks as the fourth-largest lottery prize available worldwide, with a cash value option of $43.2 million.

A historic streak continues

This jackpot run has set a new record for longevity, reaching 98 consecutive drawings without a winner since June 26, 2024. The streak began with a $5 million prize and has grown steadily since.

Ryan Mindell, executive director of the Texas Lottery, said:

This historic Lotto Texas run continues to roll, but that could all change Wednesday night. It's only a matter of time before somebody matches all six numbers and takes home one of the biggest jackpots in the game's history.

Record-breaking potential

The current prize approaches but remains shy of the game's largest-ever jackpot of $145 million, won in El Paso in 2004. Throughout its 32-year history, Lotto Texas has seen five different winning jackpot drawings in the $70 million range. The most recent comparable win occurred in October 2009, when a $76 million prize was claimed by MAED Trust from a ticket purchased at H-E-B Pantry Foods in Alvin.

The most recent jackpot winner was an Austin resident who claimed $29 million in June 2024, marking one of only two jackpot wins that year.

Recent winners and opportunities

While the grand prize remains unclaimed, players continue to win smaller prizes. The February 3 drawing saw 71,175 winning tickets with prizes ranging from $2 to $12,193. Players can boost their non-jackpot winnings by up to $10,000 using the Extra! feature for an additional dollar.

How to play

Players choose six numbers from 1 to 54. Drawings occur Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:12 p.m. CT. Ticket sales close at 10:02 p.m. CT on drawing nights.

Mindell advises winners to "sign the ticket, put it in a safe place, seek financial and legal advice, and call the Texas Lottery to schedule an appointment to claim the prize."

Other major jackpots this weekend

More multi-million dollar prizes await lottery players this weekend beyond the Lotto Texas jackpot. The Powerball drawing on Saturday, February 8 at 10:59 p.m. ET offers a staggering $133 million jackpot, with a cash value option of $61.7 million. Mega Millions players have a shot at $94 million in the February 7 drawing at 11 p.m. ET, with a cash option of $42.9 million.