News writer, Interviewer
The Massachusetts State Lottery is making a bold move.
Starting Sunday, July 20, Mass Cash will offer not one, but two drawings per day. The midday drawing launches at 2 p.m. ET, joining the existing 9 p.m. ET draw. What does this mean for players? More chances to win $100,000. More opportunities to test their luck. More reasons to play.
Why add a midday drawing?
The answer is simple: demand. Mass Cash has built a loyal following since its 1991 launch. Players wanted more chances to win, and the lottery listened. Mark William Bracken, Executive Director of the Mass Lottery, stated:
Introducing a midday drawing takes Mass Cash to a new level, giving players more chances to win and more opportunities to enjoy the game.
The numbers back up this decision. In fiscal year 2025, 276 players won the Mass Cash grand prize. That's nearly one winner per day. With twice-daily drawings, could we see 500+ winners next year?
Mass Cash's evolution: from twice weekly to twice daily
Mass Cash didn't start as a daily game. The trajectory tells a story of growing popularity:
- March 1991: Launch with twice-weekly drawings.
- January 2009: Third weekly drawing added.
- 2011: Expansion to seven nights per week.
- July 2025: Midday drawing launches.
Each expansion responded to player demand. The lottery doesn't add drawings unless people play. The data speaks volumes about Mass Cash's appeal.
How does Mass Cash work?
The rules remain unchanged with the new drawing schedule: Pick five numbers from 1 to 35. Each play costs $1. Match all five numbers and win $100,000. The odds? 1 in 324,632.
Players can choose their numbers manually or select Quic Pic for random selection. Want to play multiple drawings? Mark how many on your ticket.
Both drawings air live on the Mass Lottery's YouTube and Facebook accounts. The midday drawing joins The Numbers Game at 2 p.m. ET. The evening drawing stays at 9 p.m. ET.
What are the real odds of winning?
Let's put those 1 in 324,632 odds in perspective. You're more likely to win Mass Cash than hit the Powerball jackpot (1 in 292 million). With two drawings per day, players get 730 chances per year instead of 365. Does this double your odds? Not quite. Each drawing remains independent, but you do get more opportunities to play.
The prize structure
Mass Cash offers a fixed top prize of $100,000. No rolling jackpots. No shared prizes. Win and collect your full $100,000. About 56% of wagered money goes into the prize pool. The remaining 44% supports state programs and lottery operations.
What's next for Mass Cash?
The midday drawing represents the game's biggest expansion since going daily in 2011. Will this pattern continue? Could we see hourly drawings? Weekend specials?
The lottery hasn't said, but they've proven responsive to player interest. If the midday drawing proves popular, don't be surprised by future innovations.
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