Louisiana Lottery - Guide to LA Lotto Games & Laws

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

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Established in 1991, the Louisiana lottery has been a significant part of the state’s entertainment and revenue generation. Overseen by the Louisiana Lottery Corporation, the system has, over the years, disbursed billions in prizes to its participants. According to the Louisiana lottery guide, a substantial part of this revenue is dedicated to supporting the state’s educational initiatives and other welfare programs. 

With the rise of digital platforms, scratch-off online casinos have further broadened the horizons for lottery enthusiasts in Louisiana. Throughout this article, readers will gain comprehensive insights into the legal facets of Louisiana’s lottery, its contributions to public welfare, and the evolution of online lottery platforms.

Louisiana Online Lottery

The Louisiana online lottery is a digital extension of the traditional lottery system offered by the state of Louisiana. It provides users with an accessible platform to participate in various lottery games without the need to visit physical retailers. The platform boasts a user-friendly interface, ensuring that both seasoned lottery players and novices have an easy time navigating through the games. Additionally, it guarantees the same level of security and fairness as its offline counterpart.

  1. Visit the official Louisiana Lottery website.
  2. Navigate to the “Mobile App” section.
  3. Choose the appropriate download link based on your device’s operating system (iOS or Android).
  4. Once redirected to the App Store or Google Play Store, click “Install” or “Get”.
  5. Wait for the download and installation process to complete.
  6. Open the app and register or sign in using your Louisiana Lottery credentials.
  7. Follow any additional prompts to set up payment methods and preferences.

The Louisiana online lottery app offers a plethora of features designed to enhance the lottery experience. Players can directly purchase tickets for various games, including Powerball, Mega Millions, and state-specific drawings. The app also allows users to scan and check tickets to see if they’ve won, ensuring instant results. 

Additionally, players can set up push notifications to be informed of draw results and any significant jackpots. To facilitate easy play, the app also supports the creation of a digital wallet, where users can manage their funds, deposits, and winnings. Lastly, the app is integrated with responsible gaming tools, ensuring that players have limits and reminders to play responsibly.

Louisiana Multi-state Draw Games

The allure of lottery games isn’t just confined to a single state; it can span across many, increasing the pot and excitement level. Louisiana has joined hands with several other states to offer multi-state draw games, making the stakes even higher and dreams even bigger. Here’s a detailed look at each multi-state lottery available in Louisiana.

Powerball

Powerball is one of the most recognized names in the world of lotteries, not just in Louisiana but across the U.S. Offering enormous jackpots, it’s become synonymous with life-changing sums of money.

To enter the Powerball draw, you’ll select five white balls from a set of 69, and one red Powerball from a set of 26. Alternatively, you can opt for Quick Pick, allowing the machine to select numbers on your behalf. To participate, you can purchase lottery tickets for $2 each.

Powerball-ticket

The Powerball jackpot starts at $20 million and rolls over if there isn’t a winner. However, there are also nine ways to win, with prizes ranging from your ticket price to the jackpot. In 2017, a Louisiana resident walked away with a whopping $191 million Powerball jackpot, making them one of the state’s most significant winners.

  • Jackpot increases with each draw if there’s no winner.
  • Power Play option available for an additional $1, which can multiply non-jackpot prizes.
  • Drawings take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
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 big hitter in the multi-state lottery scene, Mega Millions, is a favorite for many due to its gargantuan jackpots and favorable odds for secondary prizes. To get into the game, you’ll choose five numbers from 1 to 70 and a Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Much like Powerball, there’s also a Quick Pick option for those feeling lucky. A standard Mega Millions lottery game ticket is priced at $2.

Mega Millions

Jackpots start at $20 million, but the beauty of Mega Millions is that there are nine prize tiers, making the odds of winning any prize pretty decent. Back in 2013, a Louisiana ticket-holder claimed a Mega Millions prize worth $12 million. A life-changing sum for sure!

  • The Megaplier option, costing an additional $1, can multiply non-jackpot winnings.
  • Jackpots can roll over to enormous amounts.
  • Draws occur every Tuesday and Friday.
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

A lesser-known but equally thrilling game, Lucky for Life offers players the chance at $1,000 a day for life! You’ll pick five numbers from 1 to 48 and a Lucky Ball number from 1 to 18. And yes, there’s a Quick Pick option for this one too. Lottery tickets for this one costs $2 per play.

Lucky for Life

The top prize offers $1,000 every day for the winner’s life. However, there are ten ways to win in total, with the second prize offering $25,000 a year for life. In 2018, one lucky Louisianian secured the second prize, ensuring they received $25,000 a year for life.

  • There are fixed prize amounts for non-top tier prizes.
  • Draws take place on Mondays and Thursdays.
  • Top prize winners have the option of a lump-sum payout.
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

Louisiana Draw Games

Louisiana, with its rich culture and vibrant traditions, offers residents an exciting array of local draw games. While the lure of multi-state lotteries is undeniable, there’s something special about participating in a game that’s exclusive to the Pelican State. Dive into the world of Louisiana’s local draw games, and uncover the thrills they offer.

Lotto

Lotto stands as Louisiana’s flagship draw game, having made many locals millionaires over the years. Joining the Lotto frenzy is simple. Pick six numbers from a set of 40. If you’d rather leave it to chance, the Quick Pick option selects numbers for you.

Each play costs $1 and jackpots start at an impressive $250,000 and continue to roll over until someone snags the top prize. Moreover, there are four prize tiers to ensure ample opportunities for winnings. A Baton Rouge local made headlines in 2020 after claiming a $2 million Lotto jackpot.

  • Drawings are held twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
  • Apart from the jackpot, fixed prizes range from free tickets to thousands of dollars.
  • Jackpots grow by at least $10,000 each time they roll over.

Easy 5

Easy 5, as the name suggests, offers a straightforward way to win cash prizes and is especially popular among Louisianans for its ease and frequency of wins. Select five numbers from a set of 37. For those who prefer surprises, the Quick Pick feature can make the selections.

Lottery tickets cost $1, with jackpots starting at $50,000 and growing until someone hits the winning numbers. With four ways to win, it’s indeed an easy way to score some cash. In late 2019, a resident from Lake Charles was overjoyed to discover they had won a whopping $90,000 from Easy 5.

  • The game boasts a pari-mutuel prize structure, meaning prizes are based on ticket sales and the number of winners.
  • Draws are conducted every Wednesday and Saturday.
  • The EZmatch option, for an additional $1, offers a chance to win instantly.

Pick 3 & Pick 4

Pick 3 and Pick 4 are Louisiana’s daily numbers games, offering consistent excitement and multiple ways to play and win. For Pick 3, choose three digits, each from 0 to 9. In Pick 4, you select four digits. You can play your numbers in a straight (exact order) or box (any order), among other options, providing a custom playstyle. Wagers can be anywhere from 50 cents to $1, depending on your chosen playstyle.

With varied play styles, the prize amounts can range from a few dollars to several thousand, based on your wager and the type of match. A Shreveport local had a memorable day in 2021, bagging $5,000 from a Pick 4 draw.

  • Both games offer two daily draws – one midday and one evening.
  • The “Sum It Up” feature adds another layer of fun, where you win by matching the sum of your numbers to the sum of the drawn numbers.
  • Players can choose to play their numbers for up to 14 consecutive draws.

Louisiana Number Drawing Schedule

The Louisiana Lottery offers a diverse range of games, each with its unique drawing schedule. Players can plan their participation by keeping track of the specific days and times when numbers are drawn.

GameMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
Mega Millions10:00 PM10:00 PM
Powerball9:59 PM9:59 PM
Lucky for Life10:38 PM10:38 PM
Lotto!10:38 PM10:38 PM
Cash 510:29 PM10:29 PM10:29 PM10:29 PM10:29 PM10:29 PM10:29 PM
Lucky Links1:45 PM1:45 PM1:45 PM1:45 PM1:45 PM1:45 PMc
Times Based on Central Time (GMT-6:00)

Louisiana Scratch Tickets

Get ready to experience the excitement of Louisiana Scratch Tickets, where the allure of instant prizes and big wins beckon you! From the bayous to the bustling cities, these scratch-offs offer a unique thrill and a chance to win on the spot. To help you navigate the selection, here’s a table spotlighting some of the most sought-after scratch-offs, including their ticket prices and the tantalizing maximum prizes they offer:

Scratch off nameTicket PriceMaximum Win
Crescent Cash$3$30,000
Pelican Plunder             $5$50,000
Gold Rush Bonanza        $10$100,000
Million Dollar Magnolia$20$1,000,000

Louisiana Laws

Louisiana Lottery laws govern the sale and distribution of lottery tickets in the state of Louisiana. Instituted in 1991, this form of state-run gambling provides a revenue stream that contributes towards the state’s treasury. The rules and regulations ensure that the lottery system is operated fairly and transparently, while also addressing concerns related to problem gambling and the well-being of its participants.

AspectLouisiana Lottery Law
Legal age for lottery game21  years
Tax on winningsState: 5%, Federal: 24%
Anonymity for winnersNo  
Limit to claim win180 days from drawing
Online lotteryNo

Overview of the Louisiana Lottery

The Louisiana Lottery Corporation is the governmental body that oversees lottery operations in the state of Louisiana. It was established in 1991 and offers a range of games including Lotto, Easy 5, Pick 3, Pick 4, and multi-state games like Powerball and Mega Millions. The corporation is headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The biggest win in the state’s history was a Powerball jackpot worth $191.1 million in 2017.

AspectLouisiana Law
Company NameLouisiana Lottery Corporation
Founded Date 1991
HeadquartersBaton Rouge, Louisiana 
Website Addresswww.louisianalottery.com

Proceeds from the Louisiana Lottery’s operations are directed towards the Minimum Foundation Program that funds public education in the state. Regarding taxes, lottery winnings in Louisiana are subject to both federal and state taxes. The federal tax is 24% for winnings over $5,000, while the state tax is 5% for winnings over $5,000.

Other Gambling in Louisiana

In Louisiana, a wide array of gambling options are legally available. The state is home to numerous commercial and tribal casinos offering slot machines, poker, and table games. Louisiana also operates a state lottery, which includes a variety of draw games and scratch-offs.

Pari-mutuel betting on horse racing is permitted at the state’s four racetracks and off-track betting facilities. Additionally, charitable gaming, including bingo and raffles, is allowed under certain conditions. As of 2021, sports betting has been legalized, but regulations and operations are still being established. However, online casino gambling remains illegal in Louisiana.

Louisiana Lottery Winners

The Louisiana Lottery has been creating millionaires and supporting public education in the state since its establishment in 1991. With a variety of games to choose from, including Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto, Easy 5, Pick 3, and Pick 4, the lottery has seen numerous big winners over the years. These lucky individuals have had their lives transformed overnight, becoming part of the state’s lottery history. 

NameDateWin AmountGame
Harold Ehrenberg 2013$3,000Powerball 
Tina and Harold Ehrenberg2018$1.8 MillionLotto
Elmer & Patsy Hebert2006$34 MillionPowerball 

FAQ 

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

“Second Chance” on your ticket likely refers to an additional opportunity for you to win or benefit, even if the main draw or event didn’t result in your favor. This could be in the form of a bonus draw, a rebate, or another special offer. It’s a way to keep participants engaged and hopeful, even if they didn’t succeed the first time around. You should check the specifics from the issuer or the terms on the ticket to know exactly what “Second Chance” entails in your particular context.

Do lottery laws differ in all US states?

Laws on gambling or lotteries are not the same in all US states. Each state has its own regulations and guidelines governing how lotteries operate within its borders. Some states may not even have a lottery, while others might have specific rules about ticket sales, prize payouts, and the use of revenue. You should always check the specific regulations, like the legal gambling age of your state or any state you’re considering participating in a lottery.

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

Louisiana does not approve online lottery and online casino play for real money. If you’re considering playing lotteries for real money at online casinos in Louisiana, it’s essential to check the most recent state regulations and laws. Always make sure any platform you intend to use is licensed and regulated by the appropriate state authorities.

Why do Louisiana lotteries not offer fixed prizes?

Louisiana lotteries do not offer fixed prizes due to a pari-mutuel system, where prizes are determined based on ticket sales and the number of winners. This method ensures the prize pool is fairly distributed among all winners, especially when multiple individuals win in a specific prize tier. By not having fixed prizes, the lottery can adjust the prize amounts based on actual sales and the number of winning tickets, ensuring a more equitable distribution.

Can winners of the Louisiana lottery maintain their anonymity?

In Louisiana, if you win the lottery, you have the option to maintain your anonymity. The state allows winners to claim their prizes through a trust, helping to shield their identities from the public. By taking this route, you can enjoy your winnings while preserving your privacy.

Is there an app for the Louisiana lottery?

Louisiana does allow lottery winners to remain anonymous. If you win a lottery prize in Louisiana, you have the right to choose to keep your identity private. This policy was implemented to protect the safety and privacy of winners. However, before claiming a prize, it’s always a good idea to consult with legal professionals to ensure your rights and understand any potential implications.

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