Millionaire for Life FAQs

Get the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Millionaire for Life, covering various aspects of the game such as buying tickets and claiming prizes.

When do draws take place?

Millionaire for Life draws take place daily at approximately 10:15 PM CT (11:15 PM ET).

What time do ticket sales close?

Each participating state sets its own cut-off time for ticket sales, but it will usually be around an hour before the draw takes place.

Which states sell Millionaire for Life tickets?

Millionaire for Life is played in multiple states, most of which had previously offered Lucky for Life or Cash4Life. Take a look at the Participating States page to learn more.

How do I play Lucky for Life?

Pick five main numbers from 1 to 58, plus an additional bonus number between 1 and 5. Go to the How to Play page for a full step-by-step guide.

How much does it cost to play?

Millionaire for Life costs $2 per play.

What is the minimum age to play?

The minimum age in most participating states is 18, although in some locations it may be as high as 21.

What prizes can I win?

There are nine prize categories in Millionaire for Life. Match all the numbers and the prize is $1 million a year for life. The second prize is $100,000 a year for life. Go to the Odds and Prizes page for details of all the payouts.

Are the prizes really for life?

Yes, the payouts continue for the rest of a winner’s life. There is also a minimum payout period of 20 years. If a winner dies before this time, the rest of the money goes to their family.

Is there a cash option instead of the annuity?

Yes. You can choose to take the top prize as a one-time payment of $18 million if you prefer. The second prize has a lump-sum option of $2.2 million. Go to the Cash vs Annuity section for more information about both options."

What happens if multiple players win?

If there is more than one winner of the top prize, it is divided equally between players. In the unlikely event that there are more than 20 winners, $18 million will be split out and paid as a lump sum with no annuitized option. The second prize is only reduced if there are more than 20 winners.

Does the jackpot roll if nobody wins?

No. The jackpot stays the same in every draw and does not roll if there are no winners.

Does the jackpot roll if nobody wins?

No. The jackpot stays the same in every draw and does not roll if there are no winners.

What are the odds of winning?

The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 22,910,580. Your overall chances of winning a prize are 1 in 8.47.

How do I claim a prize?

For prizes up to $600, you can claim from authorized retailers in the state where you bought your ticket. If you win a larger amount, you’ll need to claim by mail or visit a claim center or state lottery headquarters in person. See the page on Claiming Payouts for more details.

How long do I have to claim my prize?

The deadline for claiming your prize depends on where you bought your ticket. In the majority of states the claim period is 180 days or one year from the draw date.