How to Play Illinois Lotto
$2 a play · Mon, Thu and Sat · 9:22 PM CT
- 1Pick 6 numbers from 1 to 50, or ask for a Quick Pick. Each play is $2.
- 2Every play is in three drawings: the Jackpot, Lotto Million 1 and Lotto Million 2.
- 3Add Extra Shot for $1 more a play if you like.
- 4Choose how many drawings in a row to play: up to 25 in a store, or 12 online.
- 5Match all 6 in the Jackpot drawing for the jackpot, or 2 to 5 for a smaller prize.
- 6Match all 6 in Lotto Million 1 or 2 to win a share of $1,000,000.
Add-ons
- Extra Shot$1 moreA number from 1 to 25: if it's drawn, your prizes below the jackpot are 25 times bigger, and 0 or 1 match wins too.
You must be 18 or older to buy a ticket or claim a prize. Sales stop 7 minutes before each drawing. See every prize
More Lotto rulesHow it works · Jackpot · Prizes · Extra Shot
- How it works
- Pick 6 numbers from 1 to 50. Match 2 to 6 of the 6 numbers drawn in the Jackpot drawing, in any order, to win, or all 6 in Lotto Million 1 or Lotto Million 2 for a share of $1,000,000.
- Jackpot
- The jackpot starts at $2 million and rolls over until a play matches all 6 numbers in the Jackpot drawing, and winning plays share it equally. With 2 to 20 winners, they share at least $2 million, at least $250,000 each. A winner has 60 days after the drawing to choose cash or 30 yearly payments; with no choice, it's paid yearly. A share under $2 million is paid in cash.
- Prizes
- The 5-of-6 and 4-of-6 prizes are pari-mutuel: the money for each is split equally among its winners. 3 of 6 pays $5 and 2 of 6 pays $2. Lotto Million 1 and Lotto Million 2 are separate drawings of 6 numbers held right after the Jackpot drawing, each with a $1,000,000 prize split equally among the plays matching all 6 and paid in one payment. A play wins only its highest prize in the Jackpot drawing, but can also win either Lotto Million prize. Prizes are rounded down to the nearest 50¢.
- Extra Shot
- Your Extra Shot number from 1 to 25 is printed on your ticket when you buy it, and an Extra Shot number is drawn with the Jackpot drawing. If they match, the prizes for 2 to 5 numbers are 25 times their usual amount, in place of it, and matching 1 number or none wins $10 or $5. Extra Shot doesn't change the jackpot or the Lotto Million prizes, and it covers every play on the ticket.
Reviewed by Bishop Woosley, former Director of the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery and NASPL President.
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Good to know
- Before You PlayIllinois Lottery Draw Times Drawn Mon, Thu and Sat at 9:22 PM CT. Sales stop at 9:15 PM CT.
- After You WinHow to Claim an Illinois Lottery Prize Up to $600 at any lottery retailer. You have one year to claim.
- Keep MoreIllinois Lottery Tax Calculator Illinois taxes winnings at 4.95%. 4.95% state tax is withheld from prizes of $1,000 or more, plus 24% federal tax from prizes over $5,000.
How other Illinois games are played
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about Illinois Lotto rules
How do you play Illinois Lotto?
Pick 6 numbers from 1 to 50, or ask for a Quick Pick. Each play is $2. Every play is in three drawings: the Jackpot, Lotto Million 1 and Lotto Million 2. Add Extra Shot for $1 more a play if you like. Choose how many drawings in a row to play: up to 25 in a store, or 12 online. Match all 6 in the Jackpot drawing for the jackpot, or 2 to 5 for a smaller prize. Match all 6 in Lotto Million 1 or 2 to win a share of $1,000,000.
What is Extra Shot in Illinois Lotto?
A number from 1 to 25: if it's drawn, your prizes below the jackpot are 25 times bigger, and 0 or 1 match wins too.
How much is a Lotto ticket in Illinois?
$2 a play. Add-ons: Extra Shot ($1 more).
How late can you buy Illinois Lotto tickets?
The Illinois Lotto cutoff time is 7 minutes before each drawing: 9:15 PM CT for the 9:22 PM drawing.
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