A North Carolina nurse who works in the Covid-19 unit at a long-term care facility received a welcome surprise when she won $1 million in the state lottery. The nurse, Terri Watkins, had entered. Wisconsin Lottery's Wisconsin-only lotto game, Megabucks, entered 2021 with a lucky $1.4 Million winner. Jessica Eickman of East Troy claimed a winning Megabucks winning ticket, worth $1.4 Million annuity, $1.1 Million cash, on January 5, 2021.
The North Dakota Lottery selects and licenses retailers, trains employees of retailers to use lottery terminals, sell tickets, and redeem winning tickets, assists retailers in promoting lottery games, pays high-tier prizes to players, and ensures that retailers and players comply with the lottery law and rules. The North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) was founded in 1971. Evolving from an informal exchange of information among three pioneering lottery directors, the organization has now grown into an active association representing 53 lottery organizations.
North Carolina may have one of the youngest lotto systems in the US, but this isn’t to say that it doesn’t offer some great gaming options. In fact, with online ticket sales available through the North Carolina Lottery website, the NC lotto is also one of the most modern systems in the country.
The North Carolina Education Lottery, as it is formally known, was controversially introduced in 2005. As you’ll learn below, the state lottery was passed by the narrowest margin and plenty of opposition. In time, though, many locals have come round to seeing the benefits of the games to the state’s budget.
On this North Carolina Lottery guide, you’ll find all you need to know about the state’s lotto offerings. We’ve started by explaining the kinds of games you can play, before providing an up-to-date draw games schedule so you can never miss out on a live draw again.
We’ve continued by explaining popular draw games in the state, from the immensely popular Powerball national game to the local-only favourite Cash 5. We’ve then discussed a number of important laws that players should be aware of before buying a ticket.
Contents
- The Various North Carolina Lottery Games are Available
- Draw Games: NC Lottos with Huge Jackpots
- Common Questions that People Also Ask
The Various North Carolina Lottery Games are Available
There are two main types of games available to players of the North Carolina Lottery. Amongst some of the best North Carolina lottery games include popular national draw games such as the Powerball, Mega Millions, and Lucky for Life. These games tend to offer huge prizes, though the odds are smaller.
The other type of lotto games are scratch cards. Scratch cards are a instant lottery games that requires players to scratch off winning combinations on special store-bought lottery cards. These range in different prices and offer a huge variety of prizes that can include cash, gifts, or getaway vacations.
Draw Games: NC Lottos with Huge Jackpots
North Lottery Pick 3
If you’ve heard of the Mega Millions and Powerball games, you’re familiar with draw games. As the most popular lottery option in the country, draw games require participants to select a set of numbers. At a later date, a random set of numbers are drawn, and the more numbers you match, the higher the prize.
Although these games can offer huge progressive jackpots that have built higher than $1 billion, the odds of winning these games are usually very small. Thankfully, there are a number of local NC lotto games that are drawn more frequently, giving players a much higher chance to win.
| Game | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mega Millions | – | 11:00 PM | – | – | 11:00 PM | – | – |
| Powerball | – | – | 10:59 PM | – | – | 10:59 PM | – |
| Lucky for Life | 10:35PM | – | – | 10:35PM | – | – | – |
| Pick 4 | 3:00 PM11:22 PM | 3:00 PM 11:22 PM | 3:00 PM 11:22 PM | 3:00 PM 11:22 PM | 3:00 PM 11:22 PM | 3:00 PM 11:22 PM | 3:00 PM11:22 PM |
| Cash 5 | 11:22 PM | 11:22 PM | 11:22 PM | 11:22 PM | 11:22 PM | 11:22 PM | 11:22 PM |
| *Times Based on Eastern Daylight Time (GMT-4:00) | |||||||
As the table above shows, there are always lottery games to play in North Carolina. The three national games are only drawn twice a week, but this tends to be enough for prizes to build. Local games are often drawn daily, with some varieties being drawn on multiple occasions every day.
Below, we’ve provided explanations for the five games listed in the schedule. We’ve discussed everything from how to play, the price of tickets, the highest prize tiers, and the odds of winning. Be sure to keep reading if you’d like to learn which games give you the best shot at winning.
Mega Millions: Jackpot Starts at $40 Million
Offered in 45 states across the USA, the Mega Millions gives players a shot at winning a huge progressive jackpot twice a week. The top prize starts at $40 million and builds quickly from there. To play, players must select five numbers between 1 and 70, and one Mega Ball between 1 and 25.
Tickets cost $2 to play, and there is also an additional $1 Megaplier option that can multiply the lower 8 prize tiers if you match the numbers correctly. As the table shows, the odds of winning the jackpot are incredibly small, though this doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
| Matching Numbers | Prize Amount (most recent) | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 5 + Megaball | $164,000,000 | 1:302,575,350 |
| 5 | $1,654,256 | 1:12,607,306 |
| 4 + Megaball | $15,209 | 1:931,001 |
| 4 | $552 | 1:38,792 |
| 3 + Megaball | $223 | 1:14,547 |
| 3 | $11 | 1:606 |
| 2 + Megaball | $10 | 1:693 |
| 1 + Megaball | $4 | 1:89 |
| Megaball only | $2 | 1:37 |
Powerball: The Powerball Can Change It All
The Powerball, like the Mega Millions, is played in 45 states. Jackpots also start at $40 million, and the top prize can grow to a massive life-changing figure. To play, participants must select 5 numbers between 1 and 69 in addition to a Powerball number between 1 and 26.
Tickets cost $1 to play, with an additional $1 multiplier also available to players. The Powerball offers a similar prize structure to the Mega MIllions, though you’ll notice that the odds of hitting the jackpot are slightly higher. Yes, it’s still unlikely, but it’s certainly worth considering before making your next pick.
| Matching Numbers | Prize Amount (most recent) | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 5 + Powerball | $29,000,000 | 1:292,201,338 |
| 5 | $61,095 | 1:11,688,054 |
| 4 + Powerball | $47,374 | 1:913,129 |
| 4 | $601 | 1:36,525 |
| 3 + Powerball | $159 | 1:14,494 |
| 3 | $8 | 1:580 |
| 2 + Powerball | $10 | 1:701 |
| 1 + Powerball | $5 | 1:92 |
| Powerball only | $4 | 1:38 |
Check My Nc Lottery Numbers
Lucky for Life: The Game of a Lifetime
Lucky for Life has grown in popularity quickly and is currently available in 25 states. The promise of its jackpot prize is likely what draws the crowd in, with the top offering being $1,000 a day, every day for the rest of your life. Who could resist that?
The game is similar to the Cash 4 Life game offered in New York, though the odds are slightly worse and New York’s game offers $1,000 a week for the rest of the runner-up’s life. Tickets cost $2 per play, and games are drawn every day.
| Matching Numbers | Prize Amount | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 5 + Lucky Ball | $1,000 a day for life | 1:30,821,472 |
| 5 | $25,000 a year for life | 1:1,813,028 |
| 4 + Lucky Ball | $5,000 | 1:143,356 |
| 4 | $200 | 1:8,433 |
| 3 + Lucky Ball | $150 | 1:3,413 |
| 3 | $20 | 1:201 |
| 2 + Lucky Ball | $25 | 1:250 |
| 2 | $3 | 1:15 |
| 1 + Lucky Ball | $6 | 1:50 |
| Lucky Ball Only | $4 | 1:32 |
Pick 4: Win Every Day, Twice a Day
The North Carolina Pick 4 game gives players the chance to win $5,000 in two daily drawings. First, players must select four numbers from 0 to 9, then choose how many times they want to play and the play style. There are many different ways to win based on which combinations land.
For example, an Exact game means that selected numbers must match the drawn numbers in the correct order. Any Order means selected numbers must be drawn but can be drawn in any order. Games can be played for either 50c or $1, with the below prizes listed for $1 bets.
| Matching Numbers | Prize Amount | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 6-Way | $800 | 1 in 1,666.7 |
| 4-Way Straight (3 like Numbers) | $1,200 | 1 in 2,500 |
| 4 Numbers (Exact Order) | $5,000 | 1 in 10,000 |
Cash 5: A Daily Chance to Win
Cash 5 is a local draw game that is played once a day. In order to play, players must select five numbers from 1 to 43. Each ticket costs $1, though a special EZ Match game can also be played for an additional $1. Like usual draw games, the aim is to match selected numbers to drawn numbers.
EZ Match provides a ticket with five random numbers at the time of purchase that, if matching with your chosen Cash 5 numbers, awards $500 instantly. The jackpot prize for Cash 5 depends on how many players participate but promises to be higher than $100,000.
| Matching Numbers | Prize Amount | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 5 out of 5 | 65.3% of Parimutuel Earnings | 1 in 962,598 |
| 4 out of 5 | $250 | 1 in 5,066 |
| 3 out of 5 | $5 | 1 in 136.9 |
| 2 out of 5 | $1 | 1 in 10 |
Past North Carolina Lottery Numbers
N.C.Lottery Scratchers with Best Odds
There is an ever-rotating offering of scratchers available in North Carolina, many of which offer a unique gaming experience. Tickets can be bought from as little as $1 and for as high as $30, with jackpot prizes sometimes as high as $10,000,000.
Below, we’ve listed five of the best North Carolina lottery scratch games of varying prices and listed the overall odds of winning any prize on a scratch ticket. Keep in mind that scratchers tend to offer many prize tiers, so the odds of winning something can be quite high.
- $1 Fast Bucks (Odds: 1 out of 4.9)
- $5 Emerald Green 8s (Odds: 1 out of 4.06)
- $10 50X the Cash (Odds: 1 out of 3.30)
- $20 Game Name (Odds: 1 out of 3.06)
- $30 $300,000,000 Supreme Riches (Odds: 1 out of 2.90)
As you can see, the more money payers spend on tickets, the higher the odds are for winning any prize. This is likely because these higher-priced tickets often offer a more generous array of prize tiers. We recommend that before you buy a scratcher, do your research on what scratcher tickets still have their jackpots unclaimed. To err on the side of caution, choose newly released games.
Other North Carolina Lottery Games
In addition to draw games and scratchers, the North Carolina Lottery also operates the fast-paced Keno game. Keno games are drawn every 4 minutes. To play, select how many numbers you wish to play and how many you wish to match out of 80 numbers. 20 numbers will then be drawn.
Each play costs $1, with multipliers selected with every dollar spent up to $10. Keno operates on a pari-mutuel basis, meaning that the size of prizes accumulates based on how many people are playing. With more than 300 games drawn daily, Keno offers plenty of chances to win.
While there are no unique online games that can be played, participants are able to buy tickets for draw games online through the official North Carolina Education Lottery website or phone app. Through these online portals, players can scan old lottery tickets to earn points and buy entries into special Lucke-Rewards drawings.
Important Laws Regarding NC Lotteries
It’s worth remembering that every state has their own laws when it comes to the lottery and each is governed by their own regulatory bodies. Of course, all major prizes across the country are subject to tax rates of 24 percent, but there are additional details that states have mandated that should be considered.
For example, states such as Arizona and Louisiana require that players must be over the age of 21 to buy a lottery ticket, while players need to be over 18 to enjoy the lottery in North Carolina. Additionally, while lucky players in North Carolina must pay 5.5% on winnings above $600, Tennessee players only need to pay a 1 percent tax on these winnings.
| Legal Age for Lottery Games: | 18+ |
| Tax on Winnings: | 5.5% |
| Anonymity for Winners: | No |
| Limit to Claim Win: | 180 days from draw date, 90 days from game end |
| Online Lottery: | Yes |
North Carolina is one of many states that requires lottery winners to make their name public as well as their city of residence. In some states, winners are able to hide their information by creating a trust account, though NC lotto winners must still disclose beneficiaries of trusts when claiming.
Anonymity is likely to be sought after by anyone wanting to keep their privacy. Please be aware that North Carolina has strict requirements regarding anonymity of winners, so those wanting to remain private may need to reconsider their participation in the NC lotto before buying a ticket.
Overview of the North Carolina Lotto
It’s strange to think now, but did you know that the North Carolina Lotto was close to never existing? In 2005, the vote to pass the state lottery bill was cast when two opponents were absent. This resulted in a 24-24 stalemate. To break the tie, Lt. Governor Perdue voted in favor of the bill, and the North Carolina Lottery Act was passed.
North Lottery Carolina
The passing of the Act created a special 9-member commission to oversee the regulation of the lottery. It determined that all of the proceeds from the games would go toward education-related costs. For this reason, the lottery was then called the North Carolina Education Lottery.
| Company: | North Carolina Education Lottery | Founded: | 2005 |
| Headquarters: | 2728 Capital Blvd #144, Raleigh, NC 27604 | Social Media: | |
| Website: | www.nclottery.com | Biggest Win: | $344.6 million Powerball jackpot |
Although the lottery’s introduction was initially controversial in the conservative state, North Carolina has grown to embrace the potential of its lottery. Every year, the games grow in popularity, and the state has raised more than $6.6 billion to fund education programs since 2006.
Conclusion
As one of the youngest states to join the American Lottery system, North Carolina provides a modern and rich lotto games offering that rivals the oldest in the country. In addition to popular national draw games, NC lotto players also have access to generous local-only games, Keno and scratchers.
In the future, we suggest you return to this guide for all your NC lotto questions. We regularly update the North Carolina winning numbers to ensure you have the latest news, and our schedules are always up-to-date to make sure you never miss a draw.
Common Questions that People Also Ask
Do you still have questions about the North Carolina lottery and how it works? Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers for you. Below, we’ve listed some common questions about the NC lotto and provided the most accurate responses so that you can play with peace of mind.
Lottery North Carolina Pick 3
Can I buy tickets online?
North Carolina is one of only a few states where you can buy tickets online. While there isn’t any unique online games to be played, you can use online portals to participate in the Lucke-Rewards program. To do this, you just need to scan your old tickets with your phone. If you scan enough points, you can enter second-chance weekly, monthly or yearly draws for a shot at a cash prize.
Where do the North Carolina Lottery revenues go?
As outlined by the North Carolina Lottery Commission, all lottery funds must go toward education. These funds can pay for the construction of schools, provide financial aid to college students, pay support staff and transportation for students. Of all the revenues generated by ticket sales, 60 percent are paid back in prizes while 29 percent goes back to the state.
How do I claim my winnings?
This depends on how much you’ve won. If you’ve won less than $600 from both draw games and scratchers, all you need to do is sign the back of your ticket and visit an NC lotto retailer. If it’s between $600 and $100,000, you’ll need to fill out a claim form and head to a regional claims center or the Lottery HQ. All jackpots above this will require you to visit the Lottery HQ.
Is there a North Carolina Lottery app?
Yes, there is a North Carolina Lottery app. This is available on both Android and iOS devices, and lets you do everything from buying draw games tickets, check the drawing schedules, see the winning numbers and of course, participate in the Lucke-Rewards program.