Millionaire for Life Lottery Official Information

What Is Millionaire for Life Lottery?

Millionaire for Life is a groundbreaking new multi-state lottery game launching on February 22, 2026, operated by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL). The game represents a major consolidation in the American lottery landscape, merging Cash4Life (10 states) and Lucky for Life (23 states) into a single, unified lottery offering the largest lifetime prizes ever available in the United States.

The game was collaboratively designed by MUSL and participating state lotteries following years of development and market research. MUSL filed trademark applications for "Millionaire for Life" as early as September 2020, with additional filings in January 2024 and July 2025. The game aims to provide better value to players while creating operational efficiencies across participating jurisdictions.

Millionaire for Life draws will be conducted daily at 10:15 PM Central Time using MUSL's Digital Draw System—a computer-based random number generation system that replaces traditional ball machines. All drawings are supervised to ensure fairness and transparency.

How to Play Millionaire for Life

Playing Millionaire for Life is simple. For $5 per play, you select five numbers from 1 to 58 and one bonus number from 1 to 5. You can choose your own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick, where the lottery terminal randomly selects numbers for you. To win the top prize of $1 million a year for life, you must match all five main numbers in any order plus the bonus number.

Selection Format: The game uses a 5/58 + 1/5 matrix. This means you pick five numbers from a pool of 58 numbers, plus one additional number from a separate pool of just 5 numbers. This format provides better odds than mega-jackpot games like Powerball or Mega Millions while still offering life-changing prizes.

Quick Pick Option: Most players choose Quick Pick, allowing the computer to randomly generate numbers. Studies show Quick Pick tickets win just as often as player-selected numbers.

Multi-Draw Options: Players can purchase tickets for multiple consecutive drawings. Standard tickets allow up to 90 consecutive drawings on a single play. For ticketless transactions (where available), the limit extends to 365 consecutive drawings. The exact number varies by jurisdiction.

Add-Ons and Multipliers: As of the game's launch, no official multipliers or add-on features have been confirmed by MUSL. However, individual states may introduce their own add-ons (such as instant-win features like EZ Match) before or after launch. Check with your state lottery for specific offerings.

Millionaire for Life Prize Structure

Millionaire for Life offers nine ways to win, with prizes ranging from $8 for matching just the bonus number to the unprecedented $1 million per year for life top prize. Here's the complete prize breakdown:

Prize Splitting Rules — Unique Features

Millionaire for Life includes innovative prize-splitting rules designed to protect players even when multiple winners occur:

Top Prize (Match 5 + Bonus) Splitting:

• 1 Winner: Receives full $1,000,000 per year for life (or $18 million cash)
• 2-20 Winners: Prize splits equally, but MINIMUM guarantee of $50,000 per year for life per winner
• 21+ Winners: Pari-mutuel system activates—all winners MUST take lump sum cash (no annuity option), prize pool is capped

Second Prize (Match 5) Splitting: Same rules apply—splits equally for 2-20 winners with minimum guarantees, becomes mandatory lump sum for 21+ winners.

Lower Seven Prize Tiers: These are fixed cash amounts and are not affected by the number of winners. Every winner at these levels receives the full advertised prize.

Why These Rules? The consortium implemented these rules to manage liability while still providing attractive prizes. If an unusually large number of people win (which is extremely unlikely), the game can cap its payout exposure while still rewarding all winners fairly.

Annuity vs. Cash Options

Winners of the top two prize tiers can choose how they receive their prizes:

Annuity Option (Top Prize): Receive $1,000,000 per year for your lifetime, with a minimum guarantee of 20 years. If you pass away before 20 years, the remaining payments continue to your estate or designated beneficiary. Payments are made annually and are subject to income tax each year they are received.

Cash Option (Top Prize): Receive a one-time lump sum payment of $18,000,000 before taxes. This represents the present cash value that would be used to fund the annuity. Most winners choose the cash option for immediate access to their winnings.

Annuity Option (Second Prize): Receive $100,000 per year for life (minimum 20 years). Same guarantee provisions apply as the top prize.

Cash Option (Second Prize): Receive a one-time payment of $2,200,000 before taxes.

"Measuring Life" Determination: For individual winners, the measuring life is their natural lifespan. For multiple claimants or trusts, the measuring life is set at 20 years. This ensures clarity and fairness in how long payments continue.

When to Decide: Winners typically have 60 days from claiming their prize to choose between annuity and cash options. Check with your state lottery for specific deadlines.

Comparison to Predecessor Games

Millionaire for Life represents a significant upgrade over the games it replaces:

When Are Millionaire for Life Drawings?

Millionaire for Life drawings are held every single day of the year at 10:15 PM Central Time (11:15 PM Eastern, 9:15 PM Mountain, 8:15 PM Pacific). Unlike its predecessors, Millionaire for Life operates 365 days per year with no holiday breaks, providing daily opportunities to win.

Ticket sales close no later than 9:00 PM Central Time on the day of each drawing, though exact cut-off times vary by state. Some states may close sales earlier (typically 15-60 minutes before the draw). Check with your state lottery for specific times.

All drawings are conducted by MUSL using Digital Draw Systems—sophisticated computer-based random number generators that ensure fairness and security. Unlike traditional ball machines, digital systems can conduct draws more quickly and with consistent accuracy.

Results are expected to be published within 15-30 minutes of each drawing on participating state lottery websites and the official game website (URL to be announced before launch).

Where Can You Play Millionaire for Life?

Millionaire for Life will be available in 33+ states when it launches on February 22, 2026. According to the Nebraska Lottery's announcement, a total of 33 state lotteries will offer the game, making it one of the most widely available multi-state lotteries in America.

States Officially Confirmed (as of January 2026):

• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• Nebraska
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• South Dakota
• West Virginia (NEW)

Expected to Join (from Cash4Life - 10 states):

• Florida
• Georgia
• Indiana
• Maryland
• Missouri
• New Jersey
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Virginia

Expected to Join (from Lucky for Life - 23 states + DC):

• Arkansas
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Wyoming

How to Check Millionaire for Life Results

Once the game launches, results will be available through multiple channels:

• Official Game Website: MUSL will operate an official Millionaire for Life website with daily results (URL to be announced)
• State Lottery Websites: Each participating state lottery will post results on their official website
• Lottery Retailers: Check tickets at any authorized retailer using their terminal scanner
• Mobile Apps: Download your state lottery's mobile app for instant result notifications
• News Media: Local and regional news outlets will report results, especially for major wins

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

How to Claim Millionaire for Life Prizes

Prize claim procedures will vary by state. General guidelines:

Claim Deadlines: Expect claim periods ranging from 90 days to one year depending on your state. Most states will likely maintain their current lottery claim periods (commonly 180 days or 6 months). Check your state lottery's specific deadline to avoid forfeiting your prize.

Small Prizes (typically up to $599-$600): Will likely be claimable at any authorized Millionaire for Life retailer in your state. The retailer validates your ticket and pays you immediately.

Medium Prizes ($600 to $5,000-$10,000): Claim at regional lottery offices or by mail. You'll need to complete a claim form and provide identification.

Large Prizes (above $5,000-$10,000): Must be claimed at your state lottery headquarters with original winning ticket, government-issued photo ID, Social Security card, completed claim form, and additional documentation as required.

Lifetime Prize 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. You'll need to choose between annuity and cash options.

Frequently Asked Questions