Written by Jackpot Staff
August 18, 2025
Are you ready for twice the excitement with Massachusetts' beloved Mass Cash lottery game? The wait is over - Mass Cash now offers midday drawings, doubling your daily chances to win that coveted $100,000 top prize! Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about playing Mass Cash, including the exciting new midday drawing addition.
The Massachusetts State Lottery has officially expanded the Mass Cash game to include a 2:00 p.m. midday drawing in addition to the traditional 9:00 p.m. evening drawing. This expansion, launched on August 17, 2025, after some technical delays, responds directly to player demand for more winning opportunities.
"Our players have consistently asked for more chances to win with Mass Cash," explained Lottery Executive Director Mark William Bracken. "The addition of midday drawings gives our players exactly what they've been requesting while maintaining the same great odds and prize structure they've come to love."
This evolution marks the most significant operational change to Mass Cash since 2011, when the game transitioned from three weekly drawings to daily evening drawings.
Mass Cash has been a staple of the Massachusetts Lottery portfolio since 1991, when it debuted with just two weekly drawings. The game's popularity led to several expansions:
Throughout these changes, the core appeal of Mass Cash has remained consistent: straightforward gameplay, favorable odds, and a fixed $100,000 top prize that doesn't split among multiple winners.
Playing Mass Cash is refreshingly simple compared to many lottery games:
1. Select five numbers from 1 to 35, or choose "Quick Pick" for randomly generated numbers
2. Decide whether to play for the midday drawing (2:00 p.m.), evening drawing (9:00 p.m.), or both
3. Choose how many consecutive drawings you wish to enter (up to 30)
4. Pay $1 per play per drawing
Each play costs just $1, with 56% of ticket sales allocated to the prize pool - a higher percentage than many comparable state lottery games.
You can order Mass Cash tickets through several convenient channels:
Remember that physical tickets must be presented for prize claims exceeding $600, so keep them in a safe place, or if you’re using our service, we keep all tickets stored for you to have access to at any point if needed!
One of Mass Cash's most appealing features is its favorable odds compared to multi-state jackpot games. Here's the complete prize breakdown:
Match | Prize Amount | Odds of Winning |
---|---|---|
5 of 5 numbers | $100,000 | 1 in 324,632 |
4 of 5 numbers | $250 | 1 in 2,164.21 |
3 of 5 numbers | $10 | 1 in 74.63 |
The overall odds of winning any Mass Cash prize are approximately 1 in 72, making it one of the most player-friendly lottery games in Massachusetts.
Unlike games like Powerball or Mega Millions, Mass Cash features fixed prizes rather than pari-mutuel awards. This means if multiple players match all five numbers, each winner receives the full $100,000 prize - no splitting required!
If you're lucky enough to win, the claiming process varies based on prize amount:
Remember that all prizes exceeding $600 are subject to federal and state taxes. Non-U.S. residents face 30% federal withholding plus 5% state tax on qualifying prizes.
Did you know that millions in lottery prizes go unclaimed each year? As of July 2025, four $100,000 Mass Cash prizes remain unclaimed, with expiration dates approaching fast. Always check your tickets promptly and claim any winnings before the one-year deadline passes.
While lottery games are primarily games of chance, these tips can enhance your Mass Cash experience:
With the addition of midday drawings, players now face a choice: play the 2:00 p.m. drawing, the 9:00 p.m. drawing, or both. Here are some considerations:
There's no statistical advantage to either drawing time, both use the same random number generation process and offer identical odds and prizes.
The addition of midday drawings represents the Massachusetts Lottery's commitment to evolving its flagship daily game amid competition from multi-state jackpot offerings. This expansion aligns with broader industry trends toward more frequent drawing games, which cater to players seeking regular winning opportunities.
Whatever changes may come, Mass Cash's core appeal - straightforward gameplay, favorable odds, and substantial fixed prizes, will likely remain intact.
The addition of midday drawings makes Mass Cash more exciting than ever, offering players two daily opportunities to win prizes up to $100,000. With its simple format, favorable odds, and fixed prize structure, Mass Cash continues to stand out as one of Massachusetts' most player-friendly lottery games.
Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the game, now is the perfect time to try your luck with Mass Cash. Pick your five lucky numbers, decide between midday, evening, or both drawings, and you could be the next $100,000 winner!
Remember to play responsibly, check your tickets promptly, and claim any prizes before they expire. Good luck!
Note: This article contains information accurate as of August 17, 2025. Always check the official Massachusetts Lottery website for the most current game rules, drawing times, and prize information.