How to play Cash4Life | FAQs

Embark on an exciting journey with Cash4Life, a unique lottery game offering the chance to win cash prizes that could transform your daily life.
Here’s a list of FAQs about the Cash4life lottery game. If you can’t find the answers here, you can also get in touch with our Customer Experience Team with your questions!


When did the Cash4Life lottery game start?

Cash4Life was introduced in New York in 2014, and since then this game has continued to grow in popularity all over the great state of New York.


What time is the Cash4Life drawing?

Cash4Life draws take place every day at 9:00 pm.


How does the Cash4Life lottery game work?

Cash4Life stands out in the lottery world with its distinctive format and promising rewards. At its core, the game revolves around selecting numbers and matching them with the winning draw.

Players pick five main numbers from a set range and an additional Cash Ball number from a smaller pool. The allure of Cash4Life lies in its top prize - a chance to win a fixed daily or weekly sum for life. This prize structure differentiates it from many other lotteries, offering a blend of excitement and long-term anticipation. Draws are held regularly, keeping the thrill alive with each selection and match. With Cash4Life, every draw is a gateway to potential lifelong rewards, making it a favored choice among lottery enthusiasts.


How to play Cash4Life

Playing Cash4Life is a blend of simplicity and excitement. To start, select five main numbers from 1 to 60. Then, choose your Cash Ball number from a smaller set from 1 to 4. These selections can be made manually or through a Quick Pick option for random generation.
Once your numbers are chosen, you're in the running for the game's prizes, which range from smaller cash awards to the coveted top prize – a steady stream of cash for life.
The key to success in Cash4Life lies in matching as many of your chosen numbers as possible with those drawn. Remember, even partial matches can lead to exciting wins.


What are the odds of winning the Cash4Life jackpot?

The odds of winning the Cash4Life jackpot, while challenging, add to the game's intrigue and excitement. To secure the top prize – a daily or weekly cash payout for life – players must overcome the odds of matching all five main numbers and the Cash Ball.

These odds are typically steep, often in the realm of 1 in 21 million, a testament to the exclusivity and magnitude of the prize. While these figures may seem daunting, they are part of what makes Cash4Life a thrilling venture for many players.


What is the Cash4Life payout?

There are 9 different prize tiers in the Cash4Life lottery game, with specific prizes for each tier, except for the Top Prize and the second prize. If there is more than one winner for the Top Prize, the prize is divided equally between the winners. You can find the different Cash4Life prizes and odds of winning for each specific tier in the table below:

MatchPrizeOdds of Winning
5+1$1,000 a day for life*1:21,846,048
5$1,000 a week for life**1:7,282,016
4+1$2,5001:79,440
4$5001:26,480
3+1$1001:1,471
3$251:490
2+1$101:83
2$41:28
1+1$21:13

*Top Prize is payable as a for-life annuity (minimum of twenty years) of $365,000 per year or a one-time lump sum payment at the election of the winner. The amount of the lump sum payment is equal to the estimated cash required to purchase the annuity.
**Second Prize is payable as a for-life annuity (minimum of twenty years) of $52,000 per year or a one-time lump sum payment at the election of the winner. The amount of the lump sum payment is equal to the estimated cash required to purchase the annuity.


What is the Cash Ball?

The Cash Ball in Cash4Life is a pivotal element, adding an extra layer of excitement to the game. It is an additional number that players select, usually from a smaller range, 1 to 4. The Cash Ball is crucial for winning the top prize: matching it, along with the five main numbers, secures the jackpot, which is a significant daily cash payout for life. Even if a player matches only the Cash Ball, they can still win a prize, making it a key factor in the game's structure.


How do I know if I am a Cash4Life New York winner?

If you win, you will receive an email notification. You can also compare your numbers with the winning numbers from our Cash4Life results page, which is updated after every draw.
If you are unsure whether you’re one of the lucky winners, you can also contact our Customer Experience Team for more details.


What is the lump sum payout for Cash4Life?

Top Prize (Matching All Five Numbers + Cash Ball):
If you match all five numbers in the main field plus the Cash Ball, you win the top prize. This prize offers two options:

  1. Annuity Option: Equivalent to $1,000 per day for life. This option provides a consistent income stream, ensuring long-term financial stability.
  2. Lump Sum Option: A one-time payment of roughly $7,000,000. The amount of the lump sum payment is equal to the estimated cash required to purchase the annuity. This option is perfect for those who prefer immediate access to a substantial amount of money.

Second Prize (Matching Five Numbers, Excluding Cash Ball):
The second prize is awarded to players who match all five main numbers but not the Cash Ball. Unlike the top prize, the second prize can have multiple winners. These winners have two choices:

  1. Annuity Option: $1,000 per week for life, offering a steady weekly income.
  2. Lump Sum Option: A one-time payment of roughly $1,000,000. The amount of the lump sum payment is equal to the estimated cash required to purchase the annuity. This is an attractive option for winners who want immediate financial flexibility.