The state of Florida legalized lottery gaming in 1986, establishing a trend of growth and regulation in the years since. The Florida Lottery Commission oversees all lottery activities, ensuring fair and legal operations. Since its inception, the lottery has paid out an estimated $70 billion in winnings, making it a significant source of revenue. A large portion of the proceeds goes to support educational programs within the state, underlining the lottery’s role in enhancing public welfare.
Recently, Florida has also seen a rise in the popularity of scratch-off online gambling sites, providing more opportunities for gamers. In this Florida lottery guide, you will learn about the various games available, tax implications, legal considerations, and how to engage responsibly with both traditional lottery games and the burgeoning field of online scratch-offs. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the lottery landscape in Florida, as well as insights into responsible gaming and maximizing your playing experience.
The Florida Online Lottery extends the excitement of the Florida Lottery to a digital platform, offering residents access to their favorite games right from their smartphones or computers. The online platform, which was introduced by the Florida Lottery Corporation, offers well-known games like Mega Millions, Powerball, and distinctive draw games exclusive to Florida. Since the legal gambling age for each state differs, confirm that you are within the legal stipulation if you are not a resident of Florida.
The Florida Lottery app provides a quick and easy way to access the state’s lottery system, where users can purchase tickets, play a variety of draw games, and even partake in Scratch-off online gambling. With this app, you can scan your physical lottery ticket to instantly see if you have won and get real-time updates on the winning numbers, jackpot, and payouts.
Particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of self-exclusion and limit-setting mechanisms, which promote responsible gaming. Players not only gain access to the app, but they also help fund the state’s educational initiatives like the HOPE Scholarship. Combining convenience, entertainment, and social responsibility, the Florida Lottery app provides an all-in-one solution for lottery enthusiasts in the state. If you are not a resident, be aware that each US state has peculiar gambling regulations, so you must be of legal age in Florida to participate in the lottery.
Florida’s Multi-state Draw Games have grown to become some of the most popular and exciting gaming options for lottery enthusiasts. These games cross state lines, allowing for larger prize pools and providing players with more opportunities to win big. Let’s delve into the specific details of each of these multi-state lotteries available in Florida, including participation methods, ticket prices, prize structures, and real-life winning examples.
You can purchase lottery tickets for Powerball at any authorized retailer in Florida or through the official online platform. Players select five white ball numbers from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball number from 1 to 26.
Lottery tickets cost $2 per play, with the option of adding the Power Play feature for an additional $1. Also, Powerball prizes range from $4 to the jackpot, which starts at $20 million and grows until it’s won. Secondary prizes can be multiplied with the Power Play option.
In January 2016, a Florida family claimed a share of a record $1.58 billion Powerball jackpot, becoming instant multi-millionaires.
| Matching numbers | Prize amount | Odds |
| Matching 5 + Powerball | $194,000,000 | 1 in 292,201,338 |
| Matching 5 + | $1,000,000 | 1 in 11,688,054 |
| Matching 4 + Powerball | $50,000 | 1 in 913,130 |
| Matching 4 | $100 | 1 in 36,525 |
| Matching 3 + Powerball | $500 | 1 in 14,495 |
| Matching 3 | $20 | 1 in 580 |
| Matching 2 + Powerball | $20 | 1 in 702 |
| Matching 1 + Powerball | $10 | 1 in 92 |
| Matching Powerball only | $7 | 1 in 38 |
Mega Millions tickets can be bought from authorized retailers or online. Players choose five numbers from 1 to 70 and a Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. A single Mega Millions play costs $2, and the Megaplier option is available for an additional $1.
Jackpots start at $20 million, with other prizes ranging from $2 to $1 million. Megaplier can multiply non-jackpot winnings by up to five times. In 2013, a Florida resident won a Mega Millions jackpot of $189 million, choosing the lump sum payment option.
| Matching numbers | Prize amount | Odds |
| Matching 5 + Mega Ball | Jackpot | 1 in 302,575,350 |
| Matching 5 | $1,000,000 | 1 in 12,607,306 |
| Matching 4 + Mega Ball | $10,000 | 1 in 931,001 |
| Matching 4 | $500 | 1 in 36,792 |
| Matching 3 + Mega Ball | $200 | 1 in 14,547 |
| Matching 3 | $10 | 1 in 606 |
| Matching 2 + Mega Ball | $10 | 1 in 693 |
| Matching 1 + Mega Ball | $4 | 1 in 89 |
| Mega Ball only | $2 | 1 in 37 |
Cash4Life tickets can be purchased at retailers or online. Players select five numbers from 1 to 60 and a Cash Ball number from 1 to 4. A single play costs $2, and there is no additional feature to multiply prizes. The top prize is $1,000 a day for life, with a second prize of $1,000 a week for life and other prizes ranging from $2 to $2,500.
In 2019, a lucky Florida player won the second prize of $1,000 a week for life, opting for the lump sum payment.
| Matching numbers | Prize amount | Odds |
| Matching 5 + Cash Ball | $1,000 a day for life | 1 in 21,846,048 |
| Matching 5 | $1,000 a week for life | 1 in 7,282,016 |
| Matching 4 + CashBall | $2,500 | 1 in 79,440 |
| Matching 4 | $500 | 1 in 26,480 |
| Matching 3 + CashBall | $25 | 1 in 490 |
| Matching 3 | $10 | 1 in 83 |
| Matching 2 + CashBall | $4 | 1 in 28 |
| Matching 1 + Cash Ball | $2 | 1 in 13 |
The Florida Lottery offers an array of exciting local Draw Games that give residents and visitors a chance to win substantial prizes. Ranging from daily draws to special games, these lotteries form a significant aspect of Florida’s entertainment landscape. Let’s delve into each of these local games, including the guidelines for participation, ticket prices, available prizes, and inspiring winners’ stories.
In this game, players choose two numbers from 0 to 9, with options to play them straight or boxed. Tickets are available at authorized Florida Lottery retailers. Plays start at 50 cents, with options to increase the wager.
Prizes can go up to $50 for a straight win on a $1 bet. One Tampa resident won multiple Pick 2 prizes using family birthdates.
Similar to Pick 2, players choose three numbers and select a play style. Tickets can be purchased at authorized Florida Lottery retailers. The game offers various play options ranging from 50 cents to $1.
Top prizes reach $500 for a straight win on a $1 bet. A Miami player won the top prize using the numbers from a significant date.
Players select four numbers from 0 to 9 and choose the desired play style. Tickets are available at licensed retailers. Plays range from 50 cents to $1, with different prize structures.
Top prizes go up to $5,000 for a straight win on a $1 bet. A lucky Orlando resident claimed a $5,000 prize after playing his lucky numbers.
Similar to the other Pick games, players choose five numbers and decide on a play style. Tickets are available at authorized retailers. Players can wager 50 cents or $1 per play. Top prizes reach up to $50,000 for a straight win on a $1 bet.
One player from Jacksonville won the top prize with numbers from a dream.
Players choose five numbers from 1 to 36 or opt for a Quick Pick. Tickets can be purchased at licensed retailers or online. Each play costs $1 with jackpots depending solely on sales and the number of winners, typically ranging from $50,000 to $200,000.
A Fort Lauderdale retiree won a $195,000 jackpot using family members’ ages.
The Florida Lottery offers a wide array of games with daily and weekly drawings to keep the excitement going for players. From small daily draws to massive weekly jackpots, the drawing schedule is designed to offer something for everyone.
| Game | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
| Mega Millions | – | 10:00 PM | – | – | 10:00 PM | – | – |
| Powerball | – | – | 9:59 PM | – | – | 9:59 PM | – |
| Cash4Life | 9:00 PM | 9:00 PM | 9:00 PM | 9:00 PM | 9:00 PM | 9:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| Fantasy 5 | 11:15 PM | 11:15 PM | 11:15 PM | 11:15 PM | 11:15 PM | 11:15 PM | 11:15 PM |
| Jackpot Triple Play | 11:15 PM | – | – | 11:15 PM | – | – | |
| Pick 2 | 1:30PM 9:45PM | 1:30 PM 9:45 PM | 1:30 PM 9:45 PM | 1:30 PM 9:45 PM | 1:30 PM 9:45 PM | 1:30 PM 9:45 PM | 1:30 PM 9:45 PM |
| Time Zone: EST |
Florida Scratch Tickets, also known as scratch-offs, are an exciting and instant way to play the lottery in the Sunshine State. They provide immediate gratification with a wide range of themes and prize levels to suit every player. With just the swipe of a coin, players can uncover the symbols and numbers that may lead to a prize. From a small investment, players have the chance to win substantial cash rewards, including jackpots, making scratch tickets a popular choice among Florida Lottery enthusiasts.
| Scratch off name | Ticket Price | Maximum Win |
| Gold Rush Supreme | $10 | $2,000,000 |
| 200X The Cash | $20 | $5,000,000 |
| Millionaire Jumbo Bucks | $5 | $1,000,000 |
| Win Big | $30 | $1,000,000 |
| Extreme Millions | $30 | $15,000,000 |
| The Florida 100X The Cash | $30 | $5,000,000 |
| Triple 777 | $5 | $700,000 |
| FLAMINGO MULTIPLIER | $2 | $50,000 |
Florida Lottery Laws govern the operation, conduct, and playing of lottery games within the state of Florida. These laws were enacted to ensure the fair and transparent running of lottery games, safeguard the interests of players, and channel funds toward education and public welfare. Regulations cover various aspects, including the legal age to play, taxation on winnings, winner’s anonymity, and the claiming period for prizes. The Florida Lottery Commission oversees the compliance with these rules and regulations.
| Aspect | Florida Lottery Law |
| Legal age for lottery game | 18 years |
| Tax on winnings | Federal tax rate, with a state withholding rate of 0% |
| Anonymity for winners | No |
| Limit to claim win | 180 days from draw date |
| Online lottery | Yes |
The Florida Lottery is a government-run organization that offers a wide array of games, including scratch-offs, draw games, and multi-state options. Established in 1986, the lottery has been instrumental in providing entertainment to residents while generating vital funds for the state’s education system. With its headquarters located in Tallahassee, the Florida Lottery operates through an extensive network of authorized retailers. The lottery has seen numerous big winners over the years, with jackpots reaching staggering amounts.
| Aspect | Florida Lottery Law |
| Company Name | Florida Lottery |
| Founded Date | January 12, 1988 |
| Headquarters | Tallahassee, Florida |
| Website Address | https://www.flalottery.com |
| Biggest Win in History | $1.58 billion (Powerball, 2016 – shared with other states) |
Proceeds from the Florida Lottery are directed towards the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF), supporting public education and community college programs, scholarships, and more. As of the tax implications, winners are subject to federal tax rates, and the state withholds a 0% rate for state taxes. It’s essential to consult with a tax professional or refer to the official Florida Lottery website for detailed tax guidelines and the most current information on how lottery proceeds are utilized in the state.
American gambling laws differ by state, leaving Florida to choose what is accessible within its boundaries. The state’s gambling landscape is diverse and includes various legal options for residents and visitors alike. The state offers commercial and tribal casinos that provide a wide array of games, such as slot machines, poker, blackjack, and other table games. Parimutuel wagering on horse racing, greyhound racing, and jai alai is also legal and widely available.
The Florida Lottery operates various draw games, scratch-off tickets, and participates in multi-state lottery games like Powerball and Mega Millions. Additionally, bingo and charitable gambling activities are permitted under specific regulations. However, online gambling outside of designated platforms, such as the Florida Lottery’s official website, remains restricted within the state’s borders.
Florida Lottery Winners encapsulate the thrilling opportunities that the games provide, turning ordinary players into millionaires. Since the Florida Lottery’s inception, there have been countless winners, each with a unique story, across various games ranging from scratch-offs to massive multi-state jackpots like Powerball and Mega Millions.
| Name | Date | Win Amount | Game |
| Gloria C. Mackenzie | May 2013 | $590.5 million | Powerball |
| David Kaltschmidt and Maureen Smith | Jan 2016 | $528.7 million (shared) | Powerball |
| Raymond Moyer and Robyn Collier | Mar 2014 | $207 million | Mega Millions |
| Anonymous | Aug 2020 | $168.5 million | Powerball |
If you see the phrase “Second Chance” on your ticket, it means that you have an opportunity to enter a losing ticket into a special drawing or game. Even if your ticket didn’t win in the main game, this second chance gives you another shot at winning prizes. Be sure to check the rules and regulations specific to the lottery game you’re playing, as the details of second chance promotions may vary.
In Florida, you cannot play state-sponsored lotteries at real-money online casinos. You can only purchase lottery tickets through authorized retailers or the official Florida Lottery website. Online casinos in Florida are not authorized to offer or sell tickets for the official lottery games, and any such activity would be considered illegal.
Florida lotteries often do not offer fixed prizes because the winnings are typically determined by the number of tickets sold and the number of winners in a particular category. This structure allows for potentially larger jackpots, especially when no winners are drawn for a particular game, leading to a rollover. By not fixing the prizes, the lottery can generate more excitement and potentially larger rewards, encouraging more participation from players.
In Florida, if you win the lottery, you cannot maintain complete anonymity. Florida’s public records laws require the lottery to release certain information about winners, including their name, city of residence, and the amount won. While the lottery will make efforts to keep other personal information confidential, these specific details are made public to ensure transparency and integrity in the lottery process.
Yes, there is an official app for the Florida Lottery that you can download to your mobile device. The app provides you with various features such as checking winning numbers, scanning tickets to see if you’ve won, locating nearby retailers, and more. It’s a convenient tool that brings the Florida Lottery experience right to your fingertips, making participation even easier.
Are you ready to take your online gambling experience to the next level? Sign up for the LetsGambleUSA newsletter and get the latest news, exclusive offers, and expert tips delivered straight to your inbox.
