How to Play Lucky for Life

Lucky for Life is a simple game to play which just requires a few steps. Find out what you need to do to enter a drawing.

Information Links
Choose Your Numbers
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Step 1
Choose your numbers

Pick five numbers from 1 to 48 and a Lucky Ball from 1 to 18. You can get a Quick Pick if you would prefer the lottery terminal to generate a random set on your ticket.

Number of Draws
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Step 2
Decide how many drawings to enter

You can play your numbers in just the next draw, or enter multiple consecutive drawings to make sure you don’t miss out.

Ticket Price
$2
Purchase
Step 3
Purchase your tickets

Purchase your tickets before the cut-off time. Lucky for Life costs $2 per play.

Safe and Secure
Shield
Step 4
Safe Tickets

Keep the ticket safe and wait for the draw to take place. You can then view the Lucky for Life Numbers online as soon as they are available.

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Drawings take place every day at approximately 10:38 p.m. ET. There are currently 23 participating states where you can buy tickets.

The main rules are the same everywhere, but there may be some minor differences. For example, the time that ticket sales close can vary by state, but it is usually around an hour before the draw at 9:30 p.m. ET. Multi-Draw options can also differ.

The minimum age to play is 18 in most locations, although you have to be at least 19 in Nebraska and at least 21 in Iowa.

How to Win

You win prizes in Lucky for Life by matching the numbers you select to the numbers that are drawn. To get the jackpot of $1,000 a day for life, you need to get all five main numbers and the Lucky Ball the same.

There are nine other prize levels too, and you are guaranteed a payout as long as you match the Lucky Ball, no matter how many of the main numbers you get. Go to the Odds and Prizes page to find out more.

How to Claim

Claiming Lucky for Life prizes is easy, but you can only collect winnings in the state where you played. Most prizes can just be claimed from authorized retailers, or by mail, although for larger amounts you may have to go to a dedicated lottery office or headquarters. Go to the Claiming Prizes page for more information.