Connecticut (CT) Lotto Game
History and Overview
Connecticut Lotto is the flagship lottery game offered by the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, providing players with the chance to win life-changing jackpots. Launched in 1983, Lotto! has been a staple of the Connecticut Lottery and offers substantial jackpots that start at a guaranteed $1 million and grow with each rollover until there is a winner. The game follows a traditional format, where players select six numbers, and the more numbers matched, the bigger the prize.
How to Play
Playing Connecticut Lotto! is simple and straightforward. Here’s a breakdown of how the game works:
Choose Your Numbers:
- Players select six numbers from a pool of 1 to 44.
- You can either choose your own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick, where the lottery terminal randomly selects the numbers for you.
Purchase a Ticket:
- Each play costs $1.
- Tickets are available at authorized Connecticut Lottery retailers.
Multi-Draw Option:
Players who want to ensure they never miss a draw can use the Multi-Draw feature, which allows you to play your selected numbers for up to 26 consecutive draws by marking the appropriate box on the playslip. This is a convenient option for those who want to participate in multiple drawings without having to purchase new tickets every time.
Draw Time
The Connecticut Lotto! draw takes place twice a week, offering players regular chances to win.
- Draw Days: Every Tuesday and Friday.
- Draw Time: The draw is held at 10:38 PM Eastern Time.
- Cut-off Time: Ticket sales close at 10:20 PM on the night of the draw, so players must purchase tickets before this time to be eligible for that day’s drawing.
Prize Structure
Lotto! features a tiered prize structure, with the jackpot being the largest prize. The prizes vary based on how many numbers a player matches. Here’s a breakdown of the prize tiers:
Jackpot (Match 6 numbers): Win the entire jackpot, which starts at $1 million and increases with each rollover if no one matches all six numbers.
Match 5 numbers: Win $2,000.
Match 4 numbers: Win $50.
Match 3 numbers: Win $2 (a free Quick Pick ticket for the next draw).
Jackpot Information:
- The Lotto! jackpot begins at $1 million and increases each time there is no winner.
- If multiple players match all six numbers, the jackpot is shared equally among the winners.
- If no player matches all six numbers, the jackpot rolls over to the next drawing, growing larger each time until someone wins.
Odds of Winning
The odds of winning Connecticut Lotto! vary depending on how many numbers you match. Here are the odds of winning at each prize level:
- Jackpot (Match 6 numbers): 1 in 7,059,052.
- Match 5 numbers: 1 in 30,961.
- Match 4 numbers: 1 in 669.
- Match 3 numbers: 1 in 42.
Claiming Prizes
The process for claiming prizes in Connecticut Lotto! depends on the prize amount:
- Small Prizes (up to $599): Can be claimed at any Connecticut Lottery retailer.
- Larger Prizes (over $600): Must be claimed at a Connecticut Lottery High-Tier Claim Center or by mail using a completed claim form.
- Jackpot Prizes: Must be claimed at Connecticut Lottery headquarters. Winners of the jackpot can choose to receive their prize as a lump-sum payment or annuity payments over time.
Important Points
- Age Requirement: Players must be 18 years or older to purchase tickets and claim prizes.
- Cut-off Time: Ticket sales close at 10:20 PM on draw nights. Any tickets purchased after this time are for the next drawing.
- Taxation: Prizes over $5,000 are subject to federal withholding taxes. Additionally, Connecticut state taxes apply to lottery winnings over $600.
Multi-Draw and Advance Play
The Multi-Draw option allows players to participate in consecutive draws without having to purchase a new ticket every time. You can select up to 26 consecutive draws, ensuring you don’t miss a chance to play with your chosen numbers.
Conclusion
Connecticut Lotto! offers players the chance to win huge jackpots for a low cost, making it an exciting and affordable option for lottery enthusiasts. With twice-weekly draws, a starting jackpot of $1 million, and the potential for the prize to grow with each rollover, Lotto! is an excellent choice for those looking for the opportunity to win big. The game’s simple format and favorable odds of winning lower-tier prizes make Connecticut Lotto! a favorite among players in the state.
Connecticut Lottery Time Schedule
| (GMT-5:00) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lottery | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
| Play 3 Day | 1:57 PM | 1:57 PM | 1:57 PM | 1:57 PM | 1:57 PM | 1:57 PM | 1:57 PM |
| Play 3 Night | 10:29 PM | 10:29 PM | 10:29 PM | 10:29 PM | 10:29 PM | 10:29 PM | 10:29 PM |
| Play 4 Day | 1:57 PM | 1:57 PM | 1:57 PM | 1:57 PM | 1:57 PM | 1:57 PM | 1:57 PM |
| Play 4 Night | 10:29 PM | 10:29 PM | 10:29 PM | 10:29 PM | 10:29 PM | 10:29 PM | 10:29 PM |
| Cash 5 | 10:29 PM | 10:29 PM | 10:29 PM | 10:29 PM | 10:29 PM | 10:29 PM | 10:29 PM |
| Lotto | 10:38 PM | 10:38 PM |