Indiana - Guide to IN Lotto Games & Laws

Learn everything you need to know about Indiana's lottery and scratch-offs

Hero image

The Indiana lottery was legalized in 1988, marking the state’s venture into theNo, you cannot play lotteries for world of sanctioned gambling. Overseen by the Indiana Lottery Commission, this initiative has since witnessed billions in prize payouts. With funds from the lottery, Indiana has been able to support various state programs, notably benefiting infrastructure, pensions, and education. 

Additionally, as the lottery landscape evolves, there’s a rise in platforms like scratch-off online sites bringing the traditional lottery experience online. In this Indiana lottery guide, readers will delve deeper into the intricacies of the lottery’s legal aspects, its contribution to the state, and emerging trends in the gaming world.

Indiana Online Lottery

The Indiana online lottery ushers in a modern era of lottery gaming, offering Hoosiers a seamless and thrilling digital experience. Developed under the umbrella of the Indiana Lottery Commission, this online platform presents a safe and convenient method for participants to join in various lottery games without the constraints of a brick-and-mortar establishment. 

Beyond classic draw games, the digital landscape also unfolds a range of instant win games and exclusive online promotions. The platform stands firmly on its commitment to promote responsible gaming, ensuring that players have an environment that emphasizes both fun and safety.

  1. Check Compatibility: First, confirm that your smartphone, be it Android or iOS, meets the app’s technical requirements.
  2. Head to the Official Indiana Lottery Website: Using your device’s browser, visit the official Indiana Lottery website.
  3. Find the App Download Section: Scroll to the “Online Lottery” or “Mobile App” section, and select the download link or QR code that corresponds to your device’s operating system.
  4. Begin Installation: Android users may need to toggle on the “Install from Unknown Sources” option in their settings due to restrictions on gambling apps in the Google Play Store. For iOS users, if the app is available in the App Store, download it directly or follow the instructions provided on the lottery website.
  5. Register Your Account: Once the app is installed, launch it, and proceed with the registration process. Remember, you should be within Indiana’s borders when registering and playing.

Immersing yourself in the app, you’re greeted by a wealth of opportunities tailored for lottery enthusiasts like you. You can participate in popular draw games, such as Powerball and Hoosier Lotto, right from the comfort of your home. Moreover, the app is replete with instant win games, the digital counterparts of scratch-off tickets, providing instantaneous results and excitement. 

Regularly updated promotions and special events ensure there’s always a fresh experience awaiting your exploration. Navigational ease is prioritized with intuitive design elements, and the platform is fortified with top-tier security measures. To top it off, tools for responsible gaming are integrated, making certain that your gaming adventure is both pleasurable and conscientious.

Indiana Multi-state Draw Games

Indiana has long been an enthusiastic participant in multi-state draw games, providing residents with the opportunity to win life-changing sums of money. These games, run in collaboration with several states, boast massive jackpots and are among the most popular lotteries in the U.S. Here’s a closer look at the multi-state draw games available to Hoosiers:

Powerball

Powerball is one of the most recognizable lottery games in the country. With tickets available in Indiana and many other states, it’s renowned for its enormous jackpots.

Buy a ticket at any authorized Indiana Lottery retailer. Choose five numbers from 1 to 69 for the white balls and one number from 1 to 26 for the red Powerball. Or, you can opt for the Quick Pick, which randomly selects numbers for you.

Powerball-ticket

Lottery tickets cost $2 per play, but there’s an optional multiplier feature called the Power Play, which costs an additional $1. Jackpots start at $20 million and can grow exponentially with each drawing without a winner. There are also nine ways to win, with prizes ranging from $4 to the jackpot amount.

In 2017, a Hoosier from Lafayette won a whopping $435.3 million Powerball jackpot, opting for the lump sum cash option of $263.5 million before tax.

  • Powerball drawings take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
  • Using the Power Play can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to 10 times.
  • The odds of winning the jackpot are about 1 in 292.2 million.
Matching numbers Prize amountOdds
Matching 5 + Powerball$194,000,0001 in 292,201,338
Matching 5 + $1,000,0001 in 11,688,054
Matching 4 + Powerball$50,0001 in 913,130
Matching 4$1001 in 36,525
Matching 3 + Powerball$5001 in 14,495
Matching 3$201 in 580
Matching 2 + Powerball$201 in 702
Matching 1 + Powerball$101 in 92
Matching Powerball only$71 in 38

Mega Millions

Another behemoth in the world of lotteries, Mega Millions offers tantalizingly large jackpots and is played across several states, including Indiana.

Visit any authorized lottery retailer in Indiana and pick up a Mega Millions play slip. Choose five numbers from 1 to 70 and a Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Like Powerball, there’s also a Quick Pick option for automatic number generation.

Mega Millions

Power ball tickets cost $2 per play. An additional feature, Megaplier, lets you increase non-jackpot prizes for an extra $1.

Starting jackpot is $20 million, with other prize levels available for matching fewer numbers. The jackpot grows until someone wins. Back in 2012, an Indiana resident claimed a Mega Millions prize of $34 million, deciding to take the one-time cash option.

  • Mega Millions drawings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays.
  • The Megaplier can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to 5 times.
  • The odds of snagging the jackpot are roughly 1 in 302.5 million.
Matching numbers Prize amountOdds
Matching 5 + Mega BallJackpot 1 in 302,575,350
Matching 5 $1,000,0001 in 12,607,306
Matching 4 + Mega Ball$10,0001 in 931,001
Matching 4$5001 in 36,792
Matching 3 + Mega Ball$2001 in 14,547
Matching 3$101 in 606
Matching 2 + Mega Ball$101 in 693
Matching 1 + Mega Ball$41 in 89
Mega Ball only$21 in 37

Lucky for Life

Lucky for Life offers a unique proposition: win, and you’ll receive $1,000 a day for life! Head to an Indiana Lottery retailer and select five numbers from 1 to 48 and one Lucky Ball number from 1 to 18. Alternatively, you can opt for the Quick Pick.

Lucky for Life

The lottery tickets cost $2 per play, while the top prize is $1,000 a day for life, while the second prize offers $25,000 a year for life. There are ten ways to win, with varying prize amounts.

In 2019, an anonymous winner from Indiana walked away with the second-tier prize, netting $25,000 a year for life.

  • Drawings occur every Monday and Thursday.
  • It’s one of the few games to offer lifetime prizes.
  • Odds of winning the top prize are 1 in 30.8 million.
Matching numbers Prize amountOdds
Matching 5 + Lucky Ball$1,000/Day for Life1 in 30,821,472
Matching 5 $25,000/Year for Life1 in 1,813,028
Matching 4 + Lucky Ball$2001 in 8,433
Matching 4$1501 in 3,413
Matching 3 + Lucky Ball$201 in 201
Matching 3$251 in 250
Matching 2 + Lucky Ball$31 in 15
Matching 1 + Lucky Ball$61 in 50
Lucky Ball only$41 in 32

Indiana Draw Games

Beyond the allure of multi-state games, Indiana boasts a rich tapestry of local draw games. These games not only offer Hoosiers an array of chances to win sizable prizes but also contribute to the economic vigor of the state. Let’s delve into these local treasures that resonate with Indiana’s gaming community:

Hoosier Lotto

The Hoosier Lotto is Indiana’s premier state lottery game, and it’s been a beloved staple since its inception.

Visit your nearest Indiana Lottery retailer and grab a play slip. Choose six numbers from a pool of 1 to 46. If you’re not feeling particularly decisive, the Quick Pick can select the numbers for you. Lottery tickets cost $1 for two plays.

Jackpots begin at $1 million, and if no one claims the jackpot, it rolls over to the next draw, often reaching enticing sums. In 2019, an Indiana resident clinched a Hoosier Lotto jackpot worth $11.8 million, opting for the lump-sum payout.

  • Drawings take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
  • It’s one of the best value games in terms of odds and ticket price.
  • The Plus option offers a second chance to win up to $1 million.

Quick Draw

Quick Draw is a fast-paced game that gives participants multiple chances to win with its frequent drawings.

Head to an authorized retailer and select up to ten numbers from 1 to 80 on your play slip. You can also determine how much you want to wager, with options ranging from $1 to $10. Based on your wager, tickets can be $1, $2, $3, $5, or $10.

Top prizes vary depending on your wager, but with a $1 bet, you can win up to $300,000. The prize amount escalates with higher wagers.

In 2018, a Fort Wayne resident took home $50,000 by matching nine of her ten numbers on a $1 ticket.

  • Drawings are held twice daily, enhancing your chances of a win.
  • You can play your numbers for up to 28 consecutive drawings.
  • The Bullseye feature gives an additional chance to win more prizes.

Cash 5

Cash 5 is a daily game with a rolling jackpot, starting at a tempting $75,000. Visit a local lottery retailer, and on a play slip, select five numbers from 1 to 45. Alternatively, the Quick Pick can generate numbers for you. You’ll be spending $1 to purchase lottery tickets per play.

The jackpot starts at $75,000 and increases with each draw until a lucky player matches all five numbers. In early 2020, a group of coworkers from Indianapolis shared a Cash 5 jackpot, walking away with a combined $1.1 million before taxes.

  • Cash 5 offers some of the best odds for Indiana’s daily jackpot games.
  • Drawings occur every evening.
  • Multiple players can share the jackpot if there are multiple winning tickets.

Indiana Number Drawing Schedule

Indiana offers a diverse range of lottery games, each with its specific drawing schedule. As you navigate the world of Hoosier lotteries, knowing the draw times for each can heighten your anticipation and help you stay updated.

GameMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
Powerball10:59 PM10:59 PM
Mega Millions11:00 PM11:00 PM
Hoosier Lotto11:00 PM11:00 PM
Cash Five11:00 PM11:00 PM11:00 PM11:00 PM11:00 PM11:00 PM11:00 PM
Time Zone: GMT -5

Indiana Scratch Tickets

Indiana Scratch Tickets are a captivating blend of luck and instant gratification. A staple in the Hoosier State’s lottery offerings, these tickets offer players a tactile experience, where fortunes can be revealed with the simple swipe of a coin. Ranging from modestly priced tickets to more premium options, scratch-offs provide diverse winning potentials. As you contemplate trying your luck, here’s a glimpse of some of the most popular scratch tickets in Indiana:

Scratch off nameTicket PriceMaximum Win
Hoosier Gold$1$5,000
Triple 777              $2$20,000
Wild Cherry Crossword       $3$50,000
Indiana Black $5$150,000
$1,000 Frenzy$10$1,000,000
Hoosier Millionaire$20$1,000,000

Indiana Laws

Indiana Lottery Laws are crafted to ensure that the games are played in a fair and transparent manner while safeguarding the interests of players. As the Hoosier State offers a wide variety of lottery games, it’s imperative for participants to understand the legal landscape governing them. These regulations encompass everything from the age of participation to the disbursement and taxation of prizes. Here are some fundamental legal aspects to be aware of if you’re thinking of trying your luck in Indiana:

AspectMississippi Lottery Law
Legal age for lottery game18  years
Tax on winningsState: 3.23%
Anonymity for winnersNo
Limit to claim win180 days
Online lotteryNo

Overview of the Indiana

The Indiana Lottery, often referred to as the Hoosier Lottery, is a pivotal element of the state’s gaming landscape, offering an assortment of games to ignite the excitement of players. As you delve into its chronicles, you’ll discern that beyond the thrill of the chase, the lottery has been a boon for essential state projects. Dive into the specifics of the Hoosier Lottery with this succinct overview:

AspectIndiana Law
Company NameHoosier Lottery
Founded Date 1989
HeadquartersIndianapolis, Indiana 
Website Addresshttp://www.hoosierlottery.com
Biggest Win in History$540 million (Mega Millions, 2016)  

It’s essential for you to know that the revenues from the Hoosier Lottery are directed towards vital state funds. A significant portion supports the Teachers’ Retirement Fund and the Police and Firefighters’ Pension and Disability Fund. Furthermore, if you’re lucky enough to snag a prize, be prepared for a state tax of 3.23% on your lottery winnings. This taxation ensures that a fraction of the winnings is reinvested to benefit Indiana’s residents and infrastructure.

Other Gambling in Indiana

In Indiana, you have a wide range of legal gambling options at your disposal. The state offers a comprehensive lottery system, with games such as Hoosier Lotto, Quick Draw, Cash 5, and popular multi-state games like Powerball and Mega Millions. Indiana also boasts several land-based casinos and racinos where you can enjoy slots, table games, and live horse racing.

Sports betting is also legal, both at physical sportsbooks located in casinos and through online platforms. Additionally, online casino games and poker are not currently legal, but the state is known for its progressive approach to gambling, so this could change in the future.

Indiana Winners

Indiana, with its rich lottery history, has seen numerous lucky souls becoming overnight millionaires. These Hoosier Lottery winners have not only changed their own lives but have also inspired countless others to try their luck. As you delve into the annals of lottery lore, here’s a glimpse into some of Indiana’s record-breaking victors:

NameDateWin AmountGame
John and Lisa RobinsonJanuary 2016$528.8 millionPowerball
Steve and Terri Weaver February 2012$2 millionMega Millions
Patricia BuskingAugust 2017$393 millionMega Millions
Cindy and Mark Hill November 2012$587.5 millionPowerball 

FAQ 

What does the phrase “Second Chance” on my ticket mean?

If you do not win the first time around, but your ticket says “Second Chance,” you will get another shot at it. Usually, you will need to register your lost ticket online or via mail to be eligible for a second chance drawing. It is important to check the specific rules and procedures for your state’s lottery if you are interested in entering a second chance drawing.

Do lottery laws differ in all US states?

Yes, lottery and gambling laws differ in all US states. While most states have a lottery, there are five states that do not offer lotteries. The laws governing lotteries vary by state and can cover a wide range of topics, such as the official purpose of the lottery, the legal age for gambling or participating in the lottery, how lottery revenues are distributed, and time limits for claiming prizes.

Can I play lotteries for real money at online casinos in Indiana?

No, you cannot play lotteries for real money at online casinos in Indiana. Online gambling in Indiana is not permitted, and real-money online casinos sites are not legal yet. However, you can play games online and redeem real cash and prizes at sweepstakes casinos, which offer online slots and casino games through their websites or Facebook apps. 

Why do Indiana lotteries not offer fixed prizes?

Indiana lotteries, like many others, do not offer fixed prizes because the prize amounts are often determined by ticket sales and the number of winners in each prize category. This system allows for potentially larger jackpots if ticket sales are high and no one wins the jackpot in a particular draw. It also ensures that the lottery can sustainably fund itself and contribute to public causes, such as education.

Can winners of the Indiana lottery maintain their anonymity?

Yes, in Indiana, you have the privilege of maintaining your anonymity if you win the lottery. The state respects your wish for privacy and allows jackpot winners to keep their identities confidential. This ensures that, should you strike it big, you can choose to keep your newfound wealth discreet.

Is there an app for the Indiana lottery?

Yes, there is an official app for the Indiana Lottery. The app, known as the “Hoosier Lottery” app, is available for download on both iOS and Android platforms. It allows you to check winning numbers, scan tickets to check for winners, find nearby retailers, and more.

Stay Ahead of the Game

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.