Lotto America Official Information 2025

What Is Lotto America?

Lotto America is a multi-state lottery game operated by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL), relaunched on November 12, 2017, as the successor to the scandal-affected Hot Lotto game. Available in 16 jurisdictions across the United States, Lotto America offers players an affordable entry point to multi-state lottery gaming with significantly better odds than major games like Powerball or Mega Millions.

The current version of Lotto America is actually a revival of the original game that ran from 1988 to 1992 before being rebranded as Powerball. The relaunch brought back the familiar name with a modern format designed to provide competitive jackpots while maintaining more favorable odds for players. All draws are conducted under strict MUSL supervision using physical ball machines to ensure fairness and transparency.

How to Play Lotto America

Playing Lotto America is simple and affordable. For just $1 per play, you select five numbers from 1 to 52 (white balls) and one Star Ball number from 1 to 10 (red ball). You can choose your own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick, where the lottery terminal randomly selects numbers for you. To win the jackpot, you must match all five white balls in any order plus the red Star Ball.

All Star Bonus Option: For an additional $1 per play, the All Star Bonus feature multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2X, 3X, 4X, or 5X. The multiplier is drawn from 32 balls with the following distribution: fifteen 2X balls (46.9% chance), ten 3X balls (31.3% chance), four 4X balls (12.5% chance), and three 5X balls (9.4% chance). The Match 5 prize (second tier) can reach $100,000 with the 5X multiplier. The All Star Bonus does not apply to the jackpot prize.

Lotto America Prize Structure

Lotto America offers nine ways to win, with prizes ranging from $2 for matching just the Star Ball to the multi-million dollar jackpot for matching all six numbers. The game's prize structure is designed to provide regular smaller wins while building substantial jackpots. Here's the complete prize breakdown:

Jackpot Payment Options

Lotto America jackpot winners have two payment options to choose from, and must make their selection within 60 days of claiming the prize:

Annuity Option: Receive the full advertised jackpot amount paid over 30 graduated annual payments spanning 29 years. Each payment increases by 5% annually to account for inflation. The annuity is funded by government bonds purchased by MUSL with the jackpot's cash value. The first payment is made immediately upon claiming the prize.

Cash Option: Receive a one-time lump sum payment equal to the cash value of the jackpot, which is typically about 50-52% of the advertised annuity amount. For example, a $10 million advertised jackpot has a cash value of approximately $5 million before taxes. Most winners choose the cash option for immediate access to their funds.

Taxes: All lottery winnings over $5,000 are subject to a mandatory 24% federal tax withholding. Winners will likely owe additional federal taxes when filing their return, as lottery winnings put winners in the top 37% tax bracket. State taxes vary by jurisdiction, ranging from 0% (states like Tennessee, South Dakota) to around 8-10% in higher-tax states. Winners should consult with financial and tax advisors before claiming their prize.

Lotto America Financial Overview

Lotto America generates revenue across participating states to support various state programs and causes. Based on industry standards and state lottery practices, here's an estimated distribution of Lotto America revenue:

How Lottery Proceeds Benefit States: Each participating state determines how lottery profits are used. Common beneficiaries include:

• Education: Many states direct lottery profits specifically to education programs, including K-12 schools, higher education, scholarships, and school construction. Tennessee contributed $519.3 million to education programs from all lottery games in FY 2024.
• Veterans Programs: Iowa allocates lottery proceeds to the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund, contributing $2.5 million in FY 2024 and nearly $40 million total since 2008.
• Public Safety: Iowa also funds survivor benefits for families of fallen peace officers, firefighters, and corrections employees.
• General Fund: Several states contribute lottery revenue to their general fund, which supports various state services including roads, health services, and public safety.
• Environmental Conservation: Some states allocate lottery funds to natural resources programs and outdoor recreation initiatives.

When Are Lotto America Drawings?

Lotto America drawings are held three times per week: every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:15 PM Eastern Time. Monday drawings were added in July 2022, expanding from the previous twice-weekly schedule. All drawings are conducted at the Florida Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee using physical ball machines supervised by MUSL officials to ensure integrity and fairness.

Ticket sales close at different times depending on the state, typically 1-2 hours before the drawing. Check with your state lottery for specific cut-off times. Tickets for the next drawing go on sale immediately after each drawing is completed.

Drawing Method Change (April 17, 2023): Lotto America transitioned from physical ball drawings to computerized drawings on April 17, 2023. The draw time was simultaneously changed to 10:15 PM Eastern Time. This change was made to streamline operations while maintaining the highest security standards.

How to Check Lotto America Results

Lotto America results are published immediately after each drawing through multiple channels:

• Official Websites: Visit LottoAmerica.com or your participating state lottery website for the latest winning numbers
• Lottery Retailers: Check your tickets at any authorized Lotto America retailer using their terminal scanner
• News Media: Local news outlets in participating states report Lotto America results
• Mobile Apps: Download your state lottery's mobile app for instant result notifications

Always verify winning numbers through official sources before claiming a prize. Keep your ticket in a safe place and sign the back of it immediately to establish ownership.

How to Claim Lotto America Prizes

Prize claim procedures and deadlines vary by state. Here's a general guide:

Claim Deadlines: Most states allow 180 days (approximately 6 months) from the drawing date to claim prizes. Some states have shorter periods (90 days in some jurisdictions) while Iowa allows 180 days. Check your state lottery's specific deadline to avoid forfeiting your prize.

Small Prizes (typically up to $599-$600): Can be claimed at any authorized Lotto America retailer in your state. The retailer will validate your ticket and pay you immediately in cash.

Medium Prizes (typically $600 to $50,000): Claim at regional lottery offices or by mail. You'll need to complete a claim form and provide identification. Some states require Social Security numbers for tax reporting.

Large Prizes (above $50,000): Must be claimed at your state lottery headquarters. You'll need to provide the original winning ticket, valid government-issued photo ID, Social Security card or documentation, completed claim form, and potentially additional documentation depending on your state.

Jackpot Claims: Contact your state lottery immediately. Do not sign the back of your ticket until meeting with lottery officials. Consult with financial advisors, tax attorneys, and potentially estate planning professionals before claiming. Consider whether to remain anonymous if your state allows it.

Required Documentation: Winners must provide original winning ticket (unsigned until validated), government-issued photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, completed claim form, and in some cases, proof of residency.

Frequently Asked Questions