Welcome to California, where the thrill of winning big meets the excitement of supporting education. The California Lottery offers you the chance to change your life and make a difference in the community. Since 1985, the California Lottery has raised over $26.6 billion for education, with 87% of sales going back to the public as prizes or contributions to education. As a revenue-generating State Agency, the California Lottery relies solely on ticket sales and does not receive taxpayer dollars.
Before you dive into the world of lottery games and take a chance at becoming the next big winner, it’s important to know the times and rules for buying lottery tickets in California. This information will ensure that you don’t miss out on your opportunity to play and win.
Key Takeaways:
- Lottery tickets can be purchased at authorized retailers across California such as convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and more.
- The specific draw days and times for each game can be found on the California Lottery website.
- SuperLotto Plus, Fantasy 5, Daily 4, Daily 3, and Daily Derby are popular lottery games offered in California.
- Scratchers, or instant-win games, are another fun option for lottery players.
- When claiming a prize, remember to do so within 180 days of the draw date to avoid missing out on your winnings.
Draw Days and Times for CA Lottery Games
The California Lottery offers a variety of exciting draw games for players to participate in. Here is a breakdown of the draw days and times for each game:
SuperLotto Plus
SuperLotto Plus draws take place every Wednesday and Saturday. This game offers players the chance to win huge jackpots with just a $1 ticket.
Fantasy 5
Fantasy 5 is a daily draw game, providing players with opportunities to win big prizes every day of the week. Draws for Fantasy 5 are held daily.
Daily 4
Daily 4 offers two drawings per day, known as Midday and Evening draws, giving players twice the chances to win. These drawings occur every day.
Daily 3
Similar to Daily 4, Daily 3 also has two drawings per day, Midday and Evening. Players can try their luck every day with these frequent draws.
Daily Derby
Daily Derby is another exciting game that offers daily drawings. Players choose three horses and predict the time it will take for their first-place horse to finish.
To get the specific draw days and times for each game, visit the official California Lottery website.
SuperLotto Plus
SuperLotto Plus is an exciting game that offers draws every Wednesday and Saturday. As a player, you get the chance to choose five numbers from 1 to 47 and a MEGA number from 1 to 27. With each ticket line costing just $1, you can join the fun and potentially win big!
SuperLotto Plus draws take place every Wednesday and Saturday, giving you multiple opportunities to play and win. The game starts with a jackpot of $7 million, and if no one wins, it continues to roll over to even bigger prizes. It’s not uncommon for the jackpot to reach eye-watering amounts!
Are you wondering how to play SuperLotto Plus? It’s easy! Simply select five regular numbers and one MEGA number, either by picking your own or opting for a Quick Pick. If your numbers match the winning numbers, you could be the lucky jackpot winner!
Here’s a quick summary of how to play SuperLotto Plus:
- Choose five numbers from 1 to 47.
- Select one MEGA number from 1 to 27.
- Play just $1 per line.
With SuperLotto Plus, you have the chance to win incredible prizes and join the list of lucky winners. Make sure to check the winning numbers after each draw to see if you’re a winner! You can find the winning numbers on the official California Lottery website or check with authorized retailers.
Fantasy 5
Fantasy 5 is a popular daily draw game in California, offering players the chance to win exciting prizes. To play, simply pick five numbers from 1 to 39. Each play costs $1, making it an affordable game for everyone.
The largest jackpot ever won in Fantasy 5 was a staggering $729,505, showcasing the thrilling potential this game holds. With daily drawings, you have the opportunity to win big every day.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! If you spend $5 or more on a single ticket, you’ll receive a Fantasy 5 – 2nd Chance code. This gives you an extra chance to win, adding even more excitement to your gameplay.
Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated fan, Fantasy 5 is an excellent choice for those seeking daily chances to win big. Don’t miss out on the excitement and thrill of this fantastic game!
Daily 4
Looking for a daily lottery game with exciting draws and multiple ways to play? Look no further than Daily 4! This California Lottery game offers daily drawings and three playstyles for you to choose from.
To play Daily 4, simply select four numbers from 0 to 9. You have the option to choose your own numbers or use the Quick Pick feature for a randomized selection. Once you have your numbers, you can decide on your playstyle: Straight, Box, or Straight/Box Combo. Here’s a breakdown of each playstyle:
- Straight: Your chosen numbers must match the winning numbers in the exact order.
- Box: Your chosen numbers can match the winning numbers in any order.
- Straight/Box Combo: This playstyle covers both Straight and Box options, giving you more chances to win.
The cost per play is only $1, making Daily 4 an affordable game to participate in. Plus, with daily drawings, you have the opportunity to win every day!
Curious about the draw days and times? Visit the California Lottery website for the latest information on Daily 4 draw days and times. Don’t miss out on your chance to play and win!
Daily 3
The California Lottery’s Daily 3 game offers players the chance to win exciting prizes every day! With two daily drawings, Midday and Evening, you have multiple opportunities to try your luck and win big. Daily 3 is a game of numbers, where players select three numbers from 0 to 9. And the best part? It only costs $1 per play!
Playing Daily 3 is easy. Simply choose three numbers and the time of day you want to play. Will your lucky numbers be drawn in the Midday or Evening drawing? The choice is yours! Once the drawing takes place, you can check the California Lottery website for the winning numbers and see if you’re a winner!
What makes Daily 3 even more exciting is the variety of playstyles available. You can choose to play Straight, Box, or Straight/Box. The playstyle you select determines how you win and the prize tier you’re eligible for. So, whether you’re feeling lucky and want to go for a big win with a Straight play, or prefer more chances to win with a Box play, Daily 3 has something for everyone.
If you match the winning numbers in the exact order for a Straight play, you’ll receive the highest prize in the selected playstyle. But even if your numbers don’t match exactly, you can still win with a Box play, where the numbers can be in any order.
The prize tiers for Daily 3 are as follows:
| Playstyle | Prize Tier |
|---|---|
| Straight | Top Prize |
| Straight/Box | Top Prize and Box Prize |
| Box | Box Prize |
So, what are you waiting for? Play Daily 3 and see if your lucky numbers come up in the next drawing!
Daily Derby
Experience the thrill of Daily Derby, a unique California Lottery game that offers daily drawings and multiple chances to win on every ticket. In Daily Derby, players have the opportunity to select three horses and predict how long it will take for their first-place horse to finish.
To play Daily Derby, simply follow these steps:
- Visit an authorized California Lottery retailer and purchase a Daily Derby ticket for $2.
- Select three horses from a pool of 12 and choose their finishing order.
- Choose your Race Time, predicting how long it will take for the first-place horse to finish the race (from 1:40 to 2:00 minutes).
The winning numbers for Daily Derby are determined through a random computerized drawing, ensuring fairness and transparency. If your selected horses finish in the order you predicted and the Race Time matches, congratulations, you’ve won the top prize – The Pari-Mutuel Jackpot!
Not only does Daily Derby offer the chance to win a jackpot prize, but it also provides players with the opportunity to win additional prizes based on their selected horses’ finishing positions. Check out the table below that outlines the prize tiers in Daily Derby:
| Finish Position | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | The Pari-Mutuel Jackpot* |
| 2nd Place | $1,000 |
| 3rd Place | $500 |
| 4th Place | $300 |
| 5th Place | $200 |
| 6th Place | $100 |
| 7th Place | $50 |
Remember, the Daily Derby drawing takes place daily, so you have multiple opportunities to play and win!
Join the excitement of Daily Derby and put your horse racing knowledge to the test. Purchase your tickets today and get ready for a thrilling ride toward potential riches!
Hot Spot
Looking for a fast-paced game with frequent draws? Look no further than Hot Spot! This exciting game is drawn every four minutes, giving you plenty of chances to win. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, Hot Spot offers a thrilling experience for everyone.
Playing Hot Spot is easy. Players have the option to choose 1 to 10 Spots, which are sets of numbers, and pick numbers from 1 to 80. The number of Spots chosen must match the number of numbers played. You can select your own numbers or choose a Quick Pick to have them randomly generated for you. The more Spots you choose and match, the more you can win!
Hot Spot is a favorite among lottery enthusiasts, thanks to its fast-paced nature and the excitement of having draws every four minutes. Additionally, Hot Spot ticket prices are affordable, making it accessible to players of all budgets.
So, are you ready to play Hot Spot and chase your dreams? Get your tickets now and experience the thrill of this pulse-pounding game. Don’t miss out on the chance to win big!
Remember, Hot Spot offers frequent draws every four minutes, providing endless opportunities for you to become a winner. Play now and see if luck is on your side!
Scratchers
Scratchers, also known as instant-win games, offer a thrilling and immediate chance to win exciting prizes. These games can be found at any authorized California Lottery retailer, providing convenient access for players seeking instant gratification. Whether it’s the thrill of scratching off the silver coating or the anticipation of discovering the prize, Scratchers offer a unique and enjoyable gaming experience.
Prices for Scratchers tickets range from affordable options at $1 to more enticing options that go up to $20. Players can choose the ticket that fits their budget and desired level of excitement. These scratch-off tickets come in various themes, designs, and prize structures, ensuring there’s always something for everyone.
With Scratchers, the potential prizes can be life-changing. Players have the opportunity to win top prizes that can reach up to an impressive $5 million. Imagine scratching off a ticket and discovering that you’ve won a fortune! These enticing prizes add an extra layer of excitement to the game, increasing the anticipation with every scratched surface.
Playing Scratchers is simple and straightforward. Players only need to buy a ticket, scratch off the silver coating, and reveal the symbols or numbers underneath. Each Scratchers ticket has its own set of rules and gameplay mechanics, which are clearly explained on the ticket itself. It’s important to read the instructions carefully to understand how to play and what constitutes a winning ticket.
Scratchers are a fantastic option for those who prefer immediate results and the instant thrill of winning. If you can’t wait for the next draw or simply enjoy the satisfying sensation of scratching off the silver coating, Scratchers are the perfect choice. Pick up a Scratchers ticket from your nearest authorized California Lottery retailer and experience the excitement for yourself!
| Scratchers | Ticket Prices | Top Prizes |
|---|---|---|
| $1 Scratchers | $1 | Varies – Up to $500,000 |
| $5 Scratchers | $5 | Varies – Up to $2 million |
| $10 Scratchers | $10 | Varies – Up to $5 million |
| $20 Scratchers | $20 | Varies – Up to $5 million |
Where to Buy Lottery Tickets in California
If you’re eager to try your luck with the California Lottery, you can easily purchase lottery tickets at authorized retailers across the state. Whether you’re running errands or grabbing groceries, you’ll find a variety of convenient locations to buy your tickets.
California Lottery tickets are available at:
- Convenience stores
- Gas stations
- Grocery stores
- Liquor stores
- Other retail outlets
With over 23,000 lottery retailers in California, you have plenty of options to choose from. Simply visit the California Lottery website to find the nearest authorized retailer in your area. It’s quick and easy to locate a retailer that’s convenient for you.
| Types of Retailers | Number of Retailers |
|---|---|
| Convenience Stores | 10,000+ |
| Gas Stations | 8,000+ |
| Grocery Stores | 3,000+ |
| Liquor Stores | 1,500+ |
| Other Retail Outlets | 500+ |
As you can see, there are numerous places to buy lottery tickets in California, making it convenient and accessible for everyone. So why wait? Visit your nearest authorized retailer and get your chance to win big with the California Lottery!
Claiming Lottery Prizes in California
If you’re lucky enough to win a prize in the California Lottery, it’s important to know how to claim it. The California Lottery gives winners 180 days from the draw date to claim their prizes, so make sure to act promptly to secure your winnings.
For prizes of $599 or less, you can claim them at any authorized retailer. Simply present your winning ticket to the retailer, and they will validate and pay out your prize.
For larger prizes, you have two options. You can either claim your prize by mail or in person at a California Lottery District Office. If you choose to claim by mail, it’s essential to complete the required claim form and include the original winning ticket. You’ll also need to provide a copy of your government-issued ID and proof of your social security number.
If you prefer to claim your prize in person, visit the nearest California Lottery District Office during their operating hours. Bring the original winning ticket, along with your government-issued ID and proof of your social security number. The Lottery District Office will validate your ticket and process the prize claim.
It’s worth noting that any prize over $600 will be reported to the IRS, so it’s crucial to comply with all tax requirements related to your winnings.
Now that you know how to claim your California Lottery prize, go ahead and play with confidence. Good luck!
Note: Remember to always check the California Lottery website or contact an authorized retailer for the most up-to-date information regarding claiming prizes and deadlines.
Conclusion
Buying lottery tickets in California is a simple and exciting way to try your luck and potentially win big. With a variety of games and draw options available, there is something for everyone. Whether you prefer the thrill of picking numbers or the instant gratification of scratchers, the California Lottery offers a wide range of opportunities to play and win.
As you participate in the California Lottery, it is important to remember to play responsibly and within your means. Set a budget for your lottery purchases and stick to it. Remember that lottery games should be seen as a form of entertainment, and while winning is possible, it is not guaranteed.
When purchasing lottery tickets, make sure to familiarize yourself with the California Lottery rules. This includes knowing the draw days and times for your chosen games, understanding how to play each game properly, and knowing how to claim your prizes if you win. By following the rules and playing responsibly, you can fully enjoy the lottery experience and have a chance at winning exciting prizes.
So, why wait? Visit an authorized California Lottery retailer today to buy your lottery tickets and join in the excitement. Good luck!
FAQ
What are the hours to purchase lottery tickets in California?
Lottery tickets in California can be purchased during normal business hours of authorized retailers. However, the availability of specific games may vary. It is recommended to check the California Lottery website or contact retailers directly for their operating hours and game availability.
What are the draw days and times for CA Lottery games?
The draw days and times for CA Lottery games vary depending on the specific game. SuperLotto Plus has draws every Wednesday and Saturday. Fantasy 5 has daily drawings. Daily 4 and Daily 3 have two daily drawings: Midday and Evening. Daily Derby offers daily drawings. Players can refer to the California Lottery website for the exact draw days and times.
How to play SuperLotto Plus?
To play SuperLotto Plus, players must choose five numbers from 1 to 47 and a MEGA number from 1 to 27. Tickets cost $1 per line. The jackpot starts at $7 million and grows until someone wins.
What is the ticket price for SuperLotto Plus?
Each line of SuperLotto Plus costs $1. Players can choose to play multiple lines to increase their chances of winning.
How to play Fantasy 5?
In Fantasy 5, players choose five numbers from 1 to 39. Each play costs $1. The largest jackpot ever won in Fantasy 5 was $729,505. Players who spend $5 or more on a single ticket receive a Fantasy 5 – 2nd Chance code for an extra chance to win.
What is the largest Fantasy 5 jackpot ever won?
The largest jackpot ever won in Fantasy 5 was $729,505.
How to play Daily 4?
Daily 4 offers three playstyles. Players choose four numbers from 0 to 9 and can win from $1 per play. The specific draw days and times can be found on the California Lottery website.
What are the draw days for Daily 3?
Daily 3 has two daily drawings: Midday and Evening. Players select three numbers from 0 to 9 for a chance to win from $1 per play.
How to play Daily Derby?
In Daily Derby, players choose three horses and predict how long it will take for their first-place horse to finish. Each play costs $2.
How to play Hot Spot?
Hot Spot is a fast-paced game drawn every four minutes. Players choose 1 to 10 Spots (sets of numbers) and pick numbers from 1 to 80. The number of Spots chosen must match the number of numbers played.
How much do Scratchers tickets cost?
Scratchers, or instant-win games, can be purchased for various prices ranging from $1 to $20. Each ticket offers a chance to win prizes up to $5 million.
Where can I buy lottery tickets in California?
Lottery tickets can be purchased at authorized retailers across California, including convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, liquor stores, and other retail outlets. The California Lottery has over 23,000 lottery retailers in the state. The nearest retailer can be found on the California Lottery website.
How long do I have to claim a California Lottery prize?
If you win a California Lottery prize, you have 180 days from the draw date to claim it. Prizes of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized retailer, while larger prizes can be claimed by mail or in person at a California Lottery District Office. Prizes over $600 will be reported to the IRS.
Can I buy lottery tickets in California online?
At this time, online ticket sales are not available in California. Tickets can only be purchased at authorized retail locations.
How does the California Lottery benefit education?
The California Lottery is a revenue-generating State Agency that benefits public schools, colleges, and universities in the state. Since 1985, the California Lottery has raised over $26.6 billion for education. 87% of sales must be returned to the public as prizes or contributions to education. The California Lottery does not receive taxpayer dollars.