North Dakota - Guide to ND Lotto Games & Laws

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

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In 2004, North Dakota said “yes” to the thrills of the lottery, legalizing an avenue for players to test their luck. The North Dakota Lottery, the official governing body, oversees the operations, ensuring fair play and integrity. Since its inception, it’s estimated that billions have been paid out in winnings. Importantly, a portion of this revenue is funneled back into the state, bolstering its public sector.

If you’ve ever wondered about North Dakota’s position on scratch-off online gambling sites, you’re in the right place. This North Dakota lottery guide will unveil the nuances of the state’s lottery laws, the mechanics behind games, and how the system benefits both players and residents. Dive in, and discover the intricate world of North Dakota’s lottery.

North Dakota Online Lottery

In North Dakota, the online lottery platform brings the excitement of lottery games straight to your fingertips. This digital interface, which the North Dakota Lottery manages, makes sure that your gaming experience is seamless, secure, and open. Whether you’re keen on draw games or instant wins, North Dakota’s online lottery platform caters to your preferences. Melding the age-old thrill of the lottery with today’s technological convenience, this platform is all about enhancing your gaming journey.

  1. Navigate to your device’s app store (Google Play for Android, Apple Store for iOS).
  2. Enter “North Dakota Online Lottery” in the search bar and initiate the search.
  3. Identify the official app, typically adorned with the North Dakota Lottery logo.
  4. Tap “Download” or “Install.”
  5. Once installed, launch the app and heed the on-screen prompts to either establish your account or log in if you’re already registered.

Within the North Dakota Online Lottery app, you can buy tickets for an assortment of draw games, including multi-state draws and those exclusive to North Dakota. Dive into a variety of digital instant win games that offer you the essence of scratch-off tickets online.

Stay updated with real-time draw outcomes, ensuring you’re always in the loop regarding any potential windfalls. Use your device’s camera to swiftly scan and check your physical lottery tickets for wins. Additionally, you’ll be promptly informed about imminent draws, exclusive promotions, or when you’ve secured a win.

On the app, you can rest easy knowing all your financial dealings are guarded with top-tier security measures. Sometimes, you can also gain exclusive access to promotions and special game editions, amplifying your winning odds. Consider it your go-to source for all lottery intel, be it game rules, winning probabilities, or guidelines for responsible gaming.

North Dakota Multi-state Draw Games

The allure of lottery games lies not just in their entertainment value but also in the dream of becoming an overnight millionaire. In North Dakota, this dream is amplified with multi-state draw games that pool together larger jackpots, attracting players from several states. Each of these games offers unique gameplay and prize structures. Let’s delve into the multi-state draw games available in North Dakota.

Powerball

The Powerball is one of the most recognized multi-state lotteries in the United States. With jackpots that can reach astronomical amounts, it is no surprise that it is a favorite among many.

To play, purchase lottery tickets from any authorized retailer in North Dakota. Pick five white-ball numbers from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball number from 1 to 26. Alternatively, you can opt for the Quick Pick, where numbers are selected for you randomly.

Powerball-ticket

The Powerball lottery tickets are sold for $2, and each one offers nine ways to win. While the jackpot can grow into the hundreds of millions, or even billions, there are also substantial prizes for matching fewer numbers. In 2016, a resident of Wahpeton, North Dakota, won a whopping $2 million by matching all five white-ball numbers and using the Power Play option.

  • The Power Play option costs an extra $1 and can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to 10 times.
  •  Draws are held every Wednesday and Saturday night.
  •  The odds of winning the jackpot are 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 massive multi-state game available in North Dakota, Mega Millions has been turning ordinary citizens into millionaires for years.

To participate, you can buy lottery tickets for $2 per play from any licensed North Dakota retailer. Choose five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Alternatively, you can go for the Easy Pick, allowing the computer to choose numbers for you.

Mega Millions

Mega Millions offers nine prize levels. With jackpots that sometimes surpass the billion-dollar mark, even the second-tier prize can make you a millionaire. In 2018, a group of coworkers in North Dakota shared a $1 million prize after matching five white-ball numbers, missing only the Mega Ball.

  • For an additional $1, the Megaplier can boost non-jackpot prizes by up to 5 times.
  • Draws take place every Tuesday and Friday night.
  • The odds of clinching the jackpot are 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

A lesser-known but equally exciting game, Lucky for Life, offers players the chance to win every day for the rest of their lives. To play, purchase your lottery game ticket for $2 from any participating retailer in North Dakota.  Choose five numbers from 1 to 48 and one Lucky Ball from 1 to 18. You can also use the Quick Pick feature for random number selection.

Lucky for Life

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 in total. In 2020, a Fargo resident claimed the second-tier prize of $25,000 a year for life, marking one of the state’s significant Lucky for Life wins.

  • The top two prize levels are lifelong, with a guaranteed minimum duration of 20 years.
  • Draws are held every Monday and Thursday evening.
  • The odds of securing 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

North Dakota Draw Games

The excitement of lottery games is palpable in North Dakota, a state that skillfully combines local flavors with the thrill of chance. Catering to its residents with exclusive offerings, North Dakota’s local draw games offer a more intimate playing experience compared to vast multi-state games. Let’s embark on a journey through the key local draw games that the Peace Garden State has to offer.

2by2

A daily game with fantastic odds, 2by2 is a North Dakota special that ensures frequent winners and great rewards. To play, visit an authorized North Dakota lottery retailer and get a ticket for $1. Choose two red numbers and two white numbers, each from a field of 1 to 26. Alternatively, opt for the Quick Pick if you want numbers generated automatically.

The top prize is $22,000, with other smaller prizes available for different combinations of matched numbers. Back in 2018, a Bismarck local found his fortune by securing the top prize of $22,000, crediting his regular 2by2 plays for the win. 

  • Purchasing a 7-day ticket doubles the top prize to $44,000 on Tuesdays.
  • Drawings are held every evening.
  • Your odds of winning the top prize are approximately 1 in 105,625.

Pick & Click Online Play

A digital game for modern times, Pick & Click offers players in North Dakota the opportunity to play their favorite games online. You can register for an online play account on the official North Dakota Lottery website. Select your favorite game and numbers, then determine your play amount and duration. The ticket price varies based on the game chosen.

Since multiple games can be played using Pick & Click, prizes depend on your game of choice. A lady from Fargo took a leap into the digital domain in 2019 and was thrilled when she snagged a $5,000 prize using Pick & Click online play.

  • Must be a North Dakota resident and physically located in the state when making a purchase.
  • Account setup requires identity verification.
  • All the favorite local and multi-state games can be played via Pick & Click.

North Dakota Number Drawing Schedule

The North Dakota Lottery offers a variety of games, each with its own distinct draw schedule. Here’s a comprehensive table that lays out the drawing times for every game throughout the week.

GameMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
Powerball9:59 PM9:59 PM
Mega Millions10:00 PM10:00 PM
Lotto America10:00 PM10:00 PM
Lucky for Life9:38PM9:38PM
2by29:30 PM9:30 PM9:30 PM9:30 PM9:30 PM9:30 PM9:30 PM
Times Based on Central Time (GMT-5:00)

North Dakota Scratch Tickets

In North Dakota, the allure of scratch tickets beckons many. With just a coin’s rub, you stand on the cusp of potential fortune or playful disappointment. For residents and visitors alike, these tickets encapsulate the immediate excitement of chance, offering a brief escape and the lure of instant reward. Let’s explore some of the most sought-after scratch-offs you can try your luck with in the Peace Garden State.

Scratch off nameTicket PriceMaximum Win
Dakota Gold$10$100,000
Lucky Stars$5$50,000
Bison Bucks         $2$20,000
Triple 7s   $3$30,000
Winter Green$1$5,000

North Dakota Laws

In North Dakota, the lottery system operates under a set of clear and established laws designed to ensure fair play, safeguard participants, and maintain the state’s interests. As you navigate the exciting realm of lotteries in the Peace Garden State, it’s crucial to be acquainted with these regulations. From age requirements to tax obligations, understanding these laws will ensure a seamless lottery experience. Here’s a concise table breaking down the primary legal aspects you should be aware of.

AspectNorth Dakota Lottery Law
Legal age for lottery game18  years
Tax on winningsState: 2.9
Anonymity for winnersNo  
Limit to claim win180 days from drawing
Online lotteryYes

Overview of the North Dakota Lottery

The North Dakota Lottery Corporation is the governmental body that oversees lottery operations in the state of North Dakota. 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, North Dakota. The biggest win in the state’s history was a Powerball jackpot worth $191.1 million in 2017.

AspectNorth Dakota Law
Company NameNorth Dakota Lottery Corporation
Founded Date 1991
HeadquartersBaton Rouge, North Dakota 
Website Addresshttps://www.lottery.nd.gov/

Proceeds from the North Dakota Lottery’s operations are directed towards the Minimum Foundation Program that funds public education in the state. Regarding taxes, lottery winnings in North Dakota 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 North Dakota

In North Dakota, the gambling framework offers a moderate variety of options for enthusiasts. The state provides a selection of lottery games, both local and multi-state, for residents to participate in. Charitable gaming holds a significant place in North Dakota’s gambling scene, with various licensed charitable organizations offering games like bingo and raffles.

The state also has a handful of tribal casinos, which offer slot machines, poker, and table games. Additionally, pari-mutuel betting on horse races is permitted, though it’s limited in its operations. It’s notable, however, that North Dakota maintains a conservative approach to sports betting and online gambling, which have not been legalized as of the last update in September 2021.

North Dakota Lottery Winners

In the realm of North Dakota’s lottery, numerous individuals have experienced life-changing moments, becoming overnight sensations after clinching significant wins. These winners, coming from diverse backgrounds and varied walks of life, have shared tales of dreams realized and futures transformed, all thanks to a ticket that bore the right numbers. Their victories, often celebrated across media platforms, inspire hope among many and embody the exciting unpredictability of the lottery world.

NameDateWin AmountGame
Cody from Bismarck 2023$50,000Powerball 
Anonymous2023$22,000Lucky for Life

FAQ 

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

The phrase “Second Chance” on your lottery ticket refers to an additional opportunity to win prizes even if your ticket wasn’t a winner in the initial draw or game. Typically, players can enter their non-winning tickets into a separate draw or promotion. This gives them another shot at winning, often with different prize structures than the original game. It’s a way for lottery organizations to offer added value and another potential avenue of excitement for ticket purchasers.

Do lottery laws differ in all US states?

Yes, laws regarding gambling and lottery do differ across US states. While the federal government sets certain standards and oversees multi-state games like Powerball and Mega Millions, individual state legislatures and lottery commissions determine specific rules, prize structures, and distribution methods for their respective state lotteries. This includes decisions about whether to even have a state lottery, the types of games offered, and how the proceeds are utilized. Consequently, the legal gambling age to purchase tickets, prize claim procedures, anonymity rules, and other specifics can vary from one state to another.

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

In North Dakota, online casinos are not legally sanctioned to offer lottery games for real money. This means you won’t be able to play lotteries for cash at online casinos within the state. It’s essential for you to stay informed and compliant with North Dakota’s gambling regulations.

Why do North Dakota lotteries not offer fixed prizes?

North Dakota lotteries, like many others, often operate on a pari-mutuel system. This means that the prize amounts are determined based on the total sales for a particular game and the number of winners. So, instead of fixed prizes, the amount you win can vary depending on ticket sales and how many others have won the same prize.

Can winners of the North Dakota lottery maintain their anonymity?

No. In North Dakota, if you win the lottery, your identity becomes a matter of public record. This means that details like your name, city, and prize amount can be disclosed to the public.

Is there an app for the North Dakota lottery?

Yes, the North Dakota Lottery does offer an official app. Through this app, you can check winning numbers, scan tickets to see if you’ve won, and get updated information on games and promotions. It’s a convenient tool for keeping track of your lottery activities right from your mobile device.

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