Most Popular Lotteries with Photos
Lotteries in the USA
Every week, players from across the United States flock to their favorite lottery outlets to buy tickets for a chance to become overnight millionaires. The US lottery industry is worth an estimated $70 billion annually, with state-run lotteries accounting for around $50 billion.
There are currently 44 states with active lottery operations and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Of those jurisdictions, 43 offer residents the opportunity to purchase tickets for Mega Millions and Powerball – the two biggest multi-state jackpot games in the US.
Players have a roughly 1 in 24 chance of winning any prize when playing either of these games, and the odds of scooping the top prize are significantly lower at around 1 in 259 million for Mega Millions and 1 in 292 million for Powerball.
Despite the long odds, there have been some remarkable winners. In 2016, Mavis Wanczyk from Massachusetts became the largest single winner in US history after she scooped a $758.7 million jackpot. And just last year, an anonymous player from South Carolina won a $1.537 billion Mega Millions prize – the second biggest jackpot of all time.
With such huge sums of money up for grabs, it’s no wonder that lotteries are so popular in the US. If you’re thinking of participating, read on for everything you need to know about playing the lottery in America.
How do Lotteries Work in the US?
Lotteries in the US are operated by individual states, with some states also offering games open to players from across the country. Most games are draw-based, with players selecting numbers, hoping they will be drawn randomly.
Players usually have to be aged 18 or over to take part, although there are a few states that allow 17-year-olds to play. It is also worth noting that some states prohibit residents from participating in lotteries based outside their jurisdiction.
When it comes to claiming prizes, there are typically two options available – cash or annuity. Cash prizes are paid out as a lump sum, while annuity prizes are paid out in installments over a while. The prize size and payment method vary depending on the state and one can check in details at Toto Results website.
Most Popular Lotteries in the USA
There’s no denying that the US is the land of plenty, including a host of lottery games to enjoy. The most popular lottery games in the US are Mega Millions and Powerball, with both games having been played for over 20 years. These two games offer players the biggest jackpots and usually generate the most interest, but there are also many other popular games like Toto worth looking for. Here are some of the most popular ones that American citizens and visitors can participate in.
The first on our list is one of the most well-known lotteries in the world, and certainly the most famous in the US – Powerball. It’s easy to see why this game is so popular, as it offers players the chance to win massive jackpots, with the current record being a staggering $1.586 billion, which was won back in 2016. Tickets cost just $2 each, and you can find out more about this iconic game by checking out the official website.
If you’re looking for an even bigger jackpot, Mega Millions could be your game. Again, it’s easy to see why this one is so popular, as the current record stands at an incredible $1.537 billion. Mega Millions is a draw-based game offered in 44 states, Washington DC, and the US Virgin Islands. The game costs $2 per ticket, and players have to choose five numbers from 1 to 70 and one ‘Mega Ball’ number from 1 to 25. The top prize starts at $40 million and rolls over to the next draw if it is not won.
Another hugely popular lottery in the US is Lotto America, relaunched in 2017. It offers a starting jackpot of $2 million, which rolls over until it’s won, and tickets cost just $1 each. You can learn more about Lotto America by going to the official website.
These are just a few of the most popular lottery games in the US, but plenty of others can choose from.
