History and Overview

Lotto America is a multi-state lottery game that debuted on November 12, 2017. It is the successor to the original Lotto America game, which was the precursor to Powerball. Managed by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL), Lotto America offers players the chance to win substantial prizes with drawings held twice a week.

How to Play

Playing Lotto America is straightforward and follows a simple format. Here’s how it works:

1. Choose Your Numbers:

   • Players select five main numbers from a pool of 1 to 52.
   • Additionally, players select one Star Ball number from a pool of 1 to 10.

2. Purchase a Ticket:

   • Tickets can be purchased at authorized retailers in participating states.
   • Each standard entry costs $1.00.

3. All Star Bonus Option:

   • For an additional $1.00 per play, players can add the All Star Bonus feature to multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, or 5 times.

4. Quick Pick Option:

   • Players can choose their own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick, where the numbers are randomly generated by the lottery terminal.

5. Multi-Draw Option:

   • Players can opt to play the same numbers for multiple draws in advance.

Draw Time

• Draw Days: The Lotto America draws take place every Monday and Thursday.
• Draw Time: Draws are held at 10:00 PM CT (Central Time).

Prize Structure

The Lotto America game features nine prize tiers, with a starting jackpot of $2 million that grows until it is won. Here’s a breakdown of the prize structure:

1. Jackpot:

   • Match 5 numbers + Star Ball: Starting at $2 million, increasing with rollovers.

2. Other Prizes:

   • Match 5 numbers: $20,000
   • Match 4 numbers + Star Ball: $1,000
   • Match 4 numbers: $100
   • Match 3 numbers + Star Ball: $20
   • Match 3 numbers: $5
   • Match 2 numbers + Star Ball: $5
   • Match 1 number + Star Ball: $2
   • Match Star Ball only: $2

All Star Bonus Multiplier

The All Star Bonus multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, or 5 times, depending on the drawn multiplier for that draw. The multiplier does not apply to the jackpot prize.

Odds of Winning

The odds of winning in the Lotto America game vary by prize tier:

• Jackpot (Match 5 numbers + Star Ball): 1 in 25,989,600
• Second Prize (Match 5 numbers): 1 in 2,887,733
• Third Prize (Match 4 numbers + Star Ball): 1 in 110,594
• Fourth Prize (Match 4 numbers): 1 in 12,288
• Fifth Prize (Match 3 numbers + Star Ball): 1 in 2,404
• Sixth Prize (Match 3 numbers): 1 in 267
• Seventh Prize (Match 2 numbers + Star Ball): 1 in 160
• Eighth Prize (Match 1 number + Star Ball): 1 in 29
• Ninth Prize (Match Star Ball only): 1 in 17

Claiming Prizes

• Small Prizes: Can be claimed at any authorized retailer.
• Larger Prizes: Must be claimed at a lottery office in the state where the ticket was purchased.
• Jackpot Prizes: Require special arrangements for claiming, and winners may need to provide identification and proof of ticket purchase. Winners may choose between annuity payments or a lump-sum cash option.

Important Points

• Players must be 18 years or older to participate.
• Tickets must be purchased before the cut-off time on draw days, typically at 9:00 PM CT.
• Winnings are subject to federal and state tax regulations, and players should consult with a tax advisor if they win significant amounts.

Lotto America offers an exciting opportunity to win substantial prizes twice a week. With a starting jackpot of $2 million and the chance to multiply non-jackpot prizes with the All Star Bonus feature, it provides added value and excitement for lottery players while contributing to good causes supported by the participating states’ lotteries.