Maryland Lottery - Guide to MD Lotto Games & Laws

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Legalized in 1973, the Maryland State Lottery has been operating for over 50 years under the supervision of the Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. Since 1996, the Maryland Lottery has also been a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association, joining 37 other US lottery jurisdictions.

Over the years, the state lottery has paid out more than $25.6 billion in prizes and supported public education, public health, and public safety in the state with over $16.7 billion. The lottery continues to aid the state, with approximately 75% of all yearly revenues going to beneficiaries.

In this Maryland lottery guide, we’ll tell you all about the availability of online lottery and lottery apps, lottery games you can play, their draw times, additional gambling options, and other important information. These can also give you an idea of what to expect when you use scratch-off online casinos.

Maryland Online Lottery

The Maryland online lottery, officially known as the MD Lottery, offers players a convenient way to participate in various lottery games right from their mobile devices or computers. Launched by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, the platform provides a secure and regulated environment for players to enjoy their favorite games. 

The online lottery features popular games such as Powerball, Mega Millions, and numerous instant win games. It also offers second-chance games and special promotions, adding to the excitement for players. Lottery and gambling ages differ across the US, so if you are visiting Maryland, confirm that you can legally participate in the lottery.

Step-by-step guide on how to get the MD Lottery app:

  • Visit the official MD Lottery website from your mobile device.
  • Scroll down to the bottom of the page and find the “Mobile App” section.
  • Choose the appropriate download link for your device (iOS or Android).
  • You will be redirected to the App Store or Google Play Store. Click “Install” to download the app.
  • Once the app is installed, open it and follow the prompts to register or log in to your MD Lottery account.

The Maryland online lottery app offers a range of features designed to enhance the player experience. Users can scan tickets to check for winners, view current jackpots, find nearby retailers, and keep track of their favorite numbers. The app also provides access to Keno and Racetrax games with animations, and it keeps users updated with the latest lottery news and promotions. Furthermore, users can use the app to enter second-chance contests and claim prizes, making it a comprehensive tool for all Maryland lottery players.

Maryland Multi-state Draw Games

Maryland is home to a variety of multi-state draw games that offer participants the chance to win significant cash prizes. These games, which are regulated by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, are open to residents and visitors alike. This article will explore the various multi-state draw games available in Maryland, providing an overview of how to participate, the cost of tickets, the prizes available, and examples of past winners.

Powerball

Powerball is one of the most popular multi-state lottery games, with drawings held twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays. To participate, players must purchase a lottery ticket for $2 and select five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26.

Powerball ticket

Players can win a variety of prizes, ranging from $4 to the jackpot, which starts at $20 million and increases each time it is not won. For example, in 2016, a Maryland resident won a $1.6 billion Powerball jackpot, the largest in the game’s history.

  • Tickets cost $2 each.
  • The jackpot starts at $20 million and rolls over if not won.
  • Drawings are held 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

Mega Millions is another multi-state draw game that is available in Maryland. Lottery tickets cost $2, and players select five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. 

Mega Millions

The game offers nine ways to win, with prizes ranging from $2 to the jackpot, which starts at $20 million. In 2018, a Maryland resident won a $1.5 billion Mega Millions jackpot, one of the largest in U.S. lottery history.

  • Tickets cost $2 each.
  • The jackpot starts at $20 million and increases each time it is not won.
  • Drawings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays.
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 is another multi-state draw game available in Maryland that offers a top prize of $1,000 a day for life. Tickets cost $2, and players select five numbers from 1 to 48 and one Lucky Ball number from 1 to 18. There are ten ways to win, with prizes ranging from $2 to $1,000 a day for life. In 2018, a Maryland lottery winner got the game’s second prize, earning $25,000 a year for life.

Lucky for Life
  • Tickets cost $2 each.
  • The top prize is $1,000 a day for life.
  • Drawings are held on Mondays and Thursdays.
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

Cash4Life

Cash4Life is a unique multi-state draw game that offers players the chance to win $1,000 a day for life. Lottery tickets cost $2, and players select five numbers from 1 to 60 and one Cash Ball number from 1 to 4. There are nine ways to win, with prizes ranging from $2 to $1,000 a day for life. 

In 2019, a Maryland resident won the game’s top prize, becoming the state’s first Cash4Life jackpot winner.

cash4life
  • Tickets cost $2 each.
  • The top prize is $1,000 a day for life.
  • Drawings are held daily.
Matching numbers Prize amountOdds
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$41 in 28
Matching 1 + Cash Ball$21 in 13

Maryland Draw Games

Maryland is not only known for its blue crabs and sports teams, but also for its local draw games. The Maryland Lottery, established in 1973, offers a variety of local draw games that provide players with the chance to win significant cash prizes. These games, regulated by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, are open to residents and visitors alike. Let’s explore some of these local draw games.

Pick 3 / Pick 4

The Pick 3 and Pick 4 games are daily draw games that offer players the chance to win cash prizes by matching the winning numbers in the exact order they are drawn. Players can choose their own numbers or use the “quick pick” option to have the computer select numbers for them. Tickets for Pick 3 and Pick 4 cost $0.50 or $1, and drawings are held twice daily.

For example, in 2020, a Baltimore resident won $48,600 by playing the same Pick 4 combination multiple times.

  • Tickets cost $0.50 or $1
  • Drawings are held twice daily
  • Prizes depend on the amount wagered and the play type

5 Card Cash

5 Card Cash is a poker-themed draw game that offers two ways to win – instantly at the time of purchase and in the daily drawing. Each ticket features five card symbols from a standard deck of 52, and players can win up to $100,000 in the daily drawing or up to $5,000 instantly. Tickets cost $2 each, and drawings are held daily.

In 2017, a Frederick County man won the $100,000 top prize in the 5 Card Cash drawing.

  • Tickets cost $2 each
  • Drawings are held daily
  • Players can win up to $100,000 in the daily drawing or up to $5,000 instantly

Bonus Match 5

Bonus Match 5 is a daily draw game where players select five numbers from 1 to 39. The game features a Bonus Ball, which provides extra chances to win. Tickets cost $1 each, and drawings are held daily. The top prize is $50,000.

In 2019, a lucky Maryland resident won the $50,000 top prize by matching all five numbers plus the Bonus Ball.

  • Tickets cost $1 each
  • Drawings are held daily
  • The top prize is $50,000

Multi-Match

Multi-Match is Maryland’s in-state jackpot game. Players select six numbers from 1 to 43 or use the “quick pick” option. Tickets cost $2 each, and drawings are held on Mondays and Thursdays. The jackpot starts at $500,000 and rolls over each time it is not won.

In 2018, a lucky Maryland resident won a $2.1 million Multi-Match jackpot.

  • Tickets cost $2 each
  • Drawings are held on Mondays and Thursdays
  • The jackpot starts at $500,000 and rolls over each time it is not won

Maryland Lottery Number Drawing Schedule

The Maryland Lottery offers a variety of games with drawings held at different times throughout the week. Whether you’re a fan of multi-state games like Powerball and Mega Millions or prefer local draw games like Pick 3 and Pick 4, there’s a game and a drawing schedule to fit your play style.

GameMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
Powerball11:00 PM11:00 PM
Mega Millions11:00 PM11:00 PM
Bonus Match 58:00 PM8:00 PM8:00 PM8:00 PM8:00 PM8:00 PM8:00 PM
Multi Match10:00 PM10:00 PM
Time Zone: GMT-5:00

Maryland Scratch Tickets

Maryland Scratch Tickets, also known as scratch-offs, are a popular choice among Maryland Lottery players due to their instant win feature. These tickets come in a variety of themes and prize levels, providing a fun and exciting way for players to try their luck. The scratch-off games are easy to play; players simply scratch off the covered section to reveal if they’ve won a prize. The potential winnings can range from small amounts to several million dollars.

Scratch off nameTicket PriceMaximum Win
$10,000,000 Colossal Cash             $30$10,000,000
Max A Million $20$1,000,000
Win Big                $10$100,000
Gold Rush X50$10$100,000
Diamond 7s $5$77,777
Double Dollar Fortune$5$50,000
Lucky 777$2$17,777
Money Money Money$1$1,000

Maryland Lottery Laws

Maryland Lottery Laws are set in place to regulate the operation of lottery games in the state of Maryland. These laws dictate everything from the legal age to play, to the tax implications of winning, and even the anonymity rights of winners. They also specify the time frame within which a winner must claim their prize. Furthermore, these laws also govern the legality of online lottery games.

AspectMaryland Lottery Law
Legal age for lottery game18 years
Tax on winnings(24% for citizens and resident aliens, 30% for non-resident aliens) and state tax rate (8.75% for residents, 7% for non-residents) 
Anonymity for winnersYes 
Limit to claim win182 days from draw date
Online lotteryYes 

Overview of the Maryland Lottery

The Maryland Lottery, officially known as the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, is one of the largest sources of revenue for the state. Established in 1973, it offers a variety of games including Pick 3, Pick 4, Bonus Match 5, Multi-Match, Cash4Life, Powerball, and Mega Millions. The lottery’s mission is to generate revenue to support good causes in Maryland while providing fun and entertainment to its players. The lottery has made many millionaires, with the largest win being a Mega Millions jackpot of $656 million in 2012.

AspectMaryland Lottery Law
Company NameMaryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency
Founded Date January 2, 1973
HeadquartersBaltimore, Maryland
Website Addresswww.mdlottery.com
Biggest Win in History$656 million (Mega Millions, 2012)

The proceeds from the Maryland Lottery and gaming revenue are used to support important state programs and causes. This includes funding for education, public health, public safety, and the environment. In addition, winners are required to pay federal and state taxes on their winnings. The federal tax rate is 24% for citizens and resident aliens, and 30% for non-resident aliens. The state tax rate is 8.75% for residents and 7% for non-residents.

Other Gambling in Maryland

In Maryland, a variety of legal gambling options are available to residents and visitors. The state offers both casino and lottery gaming. Casino gambling was legalized in 2008, and today, there are six casinos throughout the state offering a mix of slot machines, table games, and poker. 

The Maryland Lottery, established in 1973, offers a variety of games including daily draws and multi-state jackpots. Additionally, horse racing and off-track betting are legal and have been a part of Maryland’s gambling landscape for many years. Online sports betting was legalized in 2021, expanding the scope of legal gambling in the state.

Maryland Lottery Winners

The Maryland Lottery has a rich history of creating instant millionaires. Since its establishment in 1973, it has paid out billions in prizes to lucky players. Winners come from all walks of life, but they all share the exhilarating experience of hitting the jackpot. Their stories of luck and sudden fortune continue to inspire others to try their luck in the various games offered by the Maryland Lottery. 

NameDateWin AmountGame
Stephen CookeJanuary 22, 2009$48.8 millionPowerball 
AnonymousMarch 30, 2012$218.6 millionMega Millions
AnonymousOctober 1, 2012$189 millionMega Millions
Anonymous        December 24, 2018$1.537 billionMega Millions
Richard WarrenMay 20, 2021$731.1 millionPowerball 

FAQ 

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

The phrase “Second Chance” on your lottery ticket alludes to an additional opportunity that many lotteries offer players to win prizes even if their ticket didn’t win in the initial drawing. These rejected tickets can frequently be entered into another drawing or competition by the players. 

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

US gambling laws let states decide what should be legal and at the moment, online gambling, including online lottery games, is not legally permitted in Maryland. This means you cannot play lotteries for real money at online casinos. However, Maryland does have a state-run lottery where you can purchase tickets from authorized retailers.

Why do Maryland lotteries not offer fixed prizes?

Maryland lotteries, like many other lotteries, do not offer fixed prizes because the winnings are often determined by the number of tickets sold and the number of winners in each prize category. This system ensures that the lottery can cover its costs and still provide significant winnings to players. The more tickets sold and the fewer winners, the larger the prize for each winner. It’s a structure designed to keep the lottery sustainable and exciting.

Can winners of the Maryland lottery maintain their anonymity?

Yes, if you win the Maryland lottery, you have the right to remain anonymous. Maryland is one of the few states that allow lottery winners to withhold their identity from the public. This policy aims to protect winners from potential risks and unwanted attention that can come with winning a large sum of money. So, you can rest assured that your privacy will be protected if you hit the jackpot.

Is there an app for the Maryland Lottery?

Yes, there is an app for the Maryland Lottery. It’s called the “MD Lottery” app, and it’s available for download on both iOS and Android devices. This app allows you to check winning numbers, scan tickets to see if you’ve won, and find nearby lottery retailers. It’s a convenient tool for managing your Maryland Lottery experience.

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