Montana millionaire raffle returns with $1M prizes

The Montana Lottery's annual Montana Millionaire raffle is set to return in November, offering participants the chance at multiple prizes, including five grand prizes of $1 million each.

Tickets go on sale Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 5:30 a.m., and cost $20 per play. They will remain available until December 25, 2025, at midnight, or until the full supply is sold. The game is limited to 620,000 tickets, printed sequentially from 000001 to 620000, with no play slips or numbers to select.

Montana Millionaire is only offered once per year - which is why it's so popular. The game has become a regular part of the state's lottery calendar. It's associated with the holiday season.

Drawings in December

The raffle features two major drawings in December. The first, known as the Quarter Million Monday Drawing, will take place on December 1, 2025, awarding $250,000 to one winner. All tickets sold before that date are eligible for the drawing, and the winner remains in contention for later prizes.

The second and final event is the Grand Prize Drawing, scheduled for December 26, 2025. In this drawing, five participants will each win $1 million.

Instant win feature

Along with the scheduled drawings, 8,600 tickets will result in instant wins. When a ticket is printed, winners will see a notification near the bottom of their ticket, along with a coupon redeemable for the prize. The ticket itself should still be retained, as it remains eligible for the December drawings.

After all tickets are sold, the Montana Lottery will publish a list of retailers where instant-win tickets were issued.

Prize structure and odds

The Montana Millionaire prize distribution is as follows:

• $1,000,000 Grand Prize: 5 winners, odds of 1 in 124,000
• $250,000 Prize: 1 winner, odds vary depending on ticket sales
• $500 Prize: 2,500 winners, odds of 1 in 248
• $100 Prize: 6,100 winners, odds of 1 in 101.6

The odds for the $250,000 drawing are dependent on how many tickets are sold before December 1.

Availability and access

Tickets can be purchased at any Montana Lottery sales agent, including convenience stores, grocery stores, taverns, and casinos, as well as at self-service terminals throughout the state.

While some players have asked why the raffle is not restricted to Montana residents, Montana Lottery officials state that limiting participation would be discriminatory and burdensome for retailers. Tickets are available to anyone over 18, whether resident or visitor.

Security and fairness

Drawings are conducted using a certified random number generator rather than manual selection. According to the Lottery, this method ensures accuracy and eliminates the possibility of human error, though it is not visually broadcast. Those interested in observing the process may contact the Lottery office directly at 406-444-5825.

The general fund

All proceeds in the Montana Lottery go to the state General fund, which supports government operations, as well as scholarships for science, technology, engineering, healthcare, and math at state universities.