News writer, Interviewer
Texas hits another milestone as Lotto Texas soars to a jaw-dropping $71 million jackpot for the January 22, 2025 drawing.
This sum stands as the eighth-largest prize in the game's history and currently ranks as North America's biggest lottery prize, outshining other major games across the continent. This jackpot run began on June 26, 2024, with a $5 million prize. Now, 91 drawings later, it has grown to become one of the most significant prizes in the game's history.
The current Lotto Texas jackpot is the largest since the April 22, 2023 drawing, with an estimated $95 million prize. While significant, it's still shy of the record-breaking $145 million jackpot from June 19, 2004. That historic winning ticket was sold in El Paso and claimed by VOM Enterprises, Ltd.
Ryan Mindell, executive director of the Texas Lottery, said, “Texas may be going through a cold spell, but Lotto Texas is heating up.”
The life-changing opportunity
Players chasing their dreams can choose between two payment options. The annuitized jackpot of $71 million would be paid out over 30 annual installments, providing decades of financial security. For those preferring immediate wealth, the cash value option offers a substantial $38.2 million payout.
In the event there is no jackpot winner, the jackpot will roll to an estimated $72 million.
The current jackpot joins an exclusive club of mega-prizes in Lotto Texas history. Throughout its 32-year run, only five jackpots have reached the coveted $70 million threshold.
Recent wins
While 2024 saw two lucky players claim Lotto Texas jackpots, including an Austin resident who secured $29 million in June, the grand prize remains tantalizingly unclaimed. However, the game continues to create winners at other prize levels. The January 20 drawing alone produced 66,939 winning tickets, with prizes spanning from $2 to $11,889.
Maximizing winning potential
Smart players are increasingly taking advantage of the Extra! add-on feature. For just $1 more per play, this enhancement can boost non-jackpot prizes by up to $10,000. This strategic option has helped many players transform modest wins into significant paydays.
How to join the action
Playing Lotto Texas is straightforward and accessible. Players can:
- Select six numbers from 1 to 54
- Opt for Quick Pick for computer-generated numbers
- Purchase tickets at any licensed Texas Lottery retailer
- Use the Texas Lottery app for convenient play
- Add Extra! for enhanced prize opportunities
The multi-draw option allows players to use their chosen numbers for up to 15 consecutive drawings, ensuring they never miss a chance at the jackpot.
Drawings occur three times weekly - Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:12 p.m. CT. Ticket sales close at 10:02 p.m. CT on drawing nights, creating a brief draw break until 10:15 p.m. CT.
Supporting Texas education
Ryan Mindell emphasized the broader impact of the growing jackpot:
The Lotto Texas jackpot continues to grow, giving players another chance to daydream about winning a huge jackpot prize. Sales are strong for this run, which is good news for schools because every ticket sold helps generate revenue for public education in Texas.
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