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Compare major multi-state lottery games by prize, draw schedule, and play style in one clean game directory.
All multi-state games
Browse the major multi-state lottery games — Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life, Cash4Life, and more. Tap a game for jackpots, odds, draw schedules, and results.
Compare games
A side-by-side look at prizes, best odds, prize levels, and draw days across every USA lottery game.
Next steps
Browse the related pages when you want the game list, draw schedule, jackpots, or results for this state.
State overview, featured games, and broader lottery guidance.
Rules, prize structures, and game-by-game details.
Hot and cold numbers, frequency trends, and draw history.
Data-backed number suggestions for each supported game.
Drawing schedules, cutoff timing, and next draws.
Daily random number sets for supported games.
Winning number archives by game and date.
Current jackpots, top prizes, and biggest active amounts.
Expert answers to help you choose the right multi-state lottery game
Quick Answer: Powerball draws 5 numbers from 1-69 plus a Powerball from 1-26 and costs $2 per play, while Mega Millions draws 5 from 1-70 plus a Mega Ball from 1-24 and costs $5 per play (with built-in multiplier). After April 2025 changes, Mega Millions now has better jackpot odds (1 in 290.5M vs 1 in 292.2M for Powerball) and better overall odds (1 in 23 vs 1 in 24.9).
Powerball draws Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM ET and starts at $20 million, while Mega Millions draws Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM ET and starts at $50 million. The higher Mega Millions price includes automatic prize multipliers on all non-jackpot wins. Compare current jackpots and detailed odds for Powerball and Mega Millions above. For tax planning on large wins, use our lottery tax calculator.
Quick Answer: Millionaire for Life now offers the best overall odds among major multi-state lottery games at approximately 1 in 8.5 for any prize, followed by Mega Millions at 1 in 23 and Powerball at 1 in 24.9. Better odds generally mean smaller top prizes, but they can provide better value per dollar spent.
For life-changing jackpots, Mega Millions offers slightly better jackpot odds (1 in 290.5M) than Powerball, though at a higher ticket price. For players seeking the best chance to win any prize, consider Millionaire for Life, which replaced Lucky for Life and Cash4Life in 2026. Check the comparison table above to see current jackpots, odds, and drawing schedules for all games.
Quick Answer: Multi-state games pool ticket sales from participating states to create larger jackpots. Each state lottery operates independently but contributes to a shared prize pool, with drawings conducted by the multi-state consortium.
For example, Powerball is operated by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) across 48 jurisdictions, while Mega Millions is run by a consortium of state lotteries. Winnings are subject to both federal taxes (24% withholding) and your state's tax rate. Each state has different claim procedures and anonymity rules—check your state's lottery page for specific details.
Quick Answer: No. Powerball is available in 45 states plus Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mega Millions is available in 45 states plus Washington, DC, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah do not offer either game.
If you're in a participating state, tickets are sold through authorized lottery retailers until the local sales cutoff time, typically 1–2 hours before the drawing. Powerball draws three times per week, while Mega Millions draws twice per week. Check the USA lottery calendar for exact drawing schedules and sales cutoff times in your state. Always purchase tickets before the cutoff to ensure entry in that drawing.
Quick Answer: The largest lottery jackpot in history was $2.04 billion (Powerball, November 2022), followed by $1.765 billion (Powerball, October 2023), $1.602 billion (Mega Millions, August 2023), and $1.586 billion (Powerball, January 2016).
These record jackpots demonstrate how multi-state games pool resources to create life-changing prizes. Current jackpots for Powerball and Mega Millions are shown above. Remember that advertised jackpots are annuity values; lump sum is typically 50-60% of the advertised amount before taxes. Use our tax calculator to estimate your take-home winnings.
Quick Answer: Powerball draws three times per week (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday at 10:59 PM ET). Mega Millions draws twice per week (Tuesday, Friday at 11:00 PM ET). This gives you five chances per week to win a multi-state jackpot.
Ticket sales close 1-2 hours before each drawing, with exact cutoff times varying by state. Plan ahead using our comprehensive drawing calendar to never miss a drawing. Both Powerball and Mega Millions results are posted immediately after verification. For frequent daily action, explore state-specific games that draw daily or twice daily.
Quick Answer: The lump sum is typically 50-60% of the advertised jackpot paid immediately, while the annuity pays the full advertised amount over 30 annual installments. Most winners (95%+) choose lump sum for immediate investment control and tax planning flexibility.
The lump sum allows you to invest immediately and potentially earn higher returns than the lottery's annuity rate. However, it requires disciplined financial management and immediate tax planning. The annuity provides guaranteed income but locks you into a fixed payment schedule. Consider consulting a financial advisor before claiming large wins. Use our lottery tax calculator to compare after-tax values of both options for Powerball and Mega Millions.
Quick Answer: Both games cost $2 per play and offer $1,000/day for life top prizes. Lucky for Life is available in 23 jurisdictions with daily drawings at 10:30 PM ET and overall odds of 1 in 7.8. Cash4Life is available in 10 states with daily drawings at 9:00 PM ET and overall odds of 1 in 8.
The main differences are availability and prize structures. Lucky for Life (5 from 1-48 + Lucky Ball from 1-18) has wider coverage and slightly better odds, while Cash4Life (5 from 1-60 + Cash Ball from 1-4) offers a unique format. Both games provide daily chances to win lifetime income as an alternative to massive jackpots. Check the games table above to see if each is available in your state.
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