Lottery Glossary

A

Advertised Jackpot

The advertised jackpot is the total value displayed to the public before a drawing, representing the sum of all annuity payments a winner would receive over the payment period, before taxation. Because this figure reflects the long-term annuity value rather than a cash amount, it is always higher than the cash option available to winners.

Advance Play

Advance play allows a player to purchase tickets for multiple future drawings at one time using the same set of numbers. The number of draws available in advance varies by state and game.

All Star Bonus

The All Star Bonus is an optional add-on for Lotto America tickets that multiplies non-jackpot prizes by a randomly drawn multiplier. The All Star Bonus does not affect the jackpot prize amount.

Annuity

The annuity is the default payment option for large lottery jackpot winners, paid out in instalments over a period of years rather than in a single lump sum. For Powerball and Mega Millions, the annuity consists of 30 graduated payments over 29 years, with each payment increasing by 5% annually. The advertised jackpot amount reflects the total of all annuity payments combined.

Anonymous Winner

An anonymous winner is a lottery jackpot winner who is legally permitted to claim their prize without their identity being disclosed to the public. Not all states allow anonymous claims; winners in states without anonymity protections may be required to allow their name and likeness to be released. In some states, it's possible to claim prizes via a legal trust as a means of remaining anonymous.

Authorized Retailer

An authorized retailer is a business officially licensed by a state lottery commission to sell lottery tickets. These include convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, and other approved retail outlets. Authorized retailers are also responsible for validating and paying smaller prizes on behalf of the lottery.

B

Ball Machine

Ball machine is a general term for any mechanical lottery drawing device that uses physical numbered balls to select winning numbers. Ball machines are central to maintaining game integrity and public trust in lottery draws.

Ball Set

A ball set is the complete collection of numbered balls used for a single lottery game's drawings. For Powerball, one set contains 69 white balls and a separate set contains 26 red Powerball balls. Multiple identical ball sets are maintained in secure storage, tested regularly, and rotated randomly before draws.

Bonus Ball

A bonus ball, or bonus number, is an extra number drawn from a separate pool at the end of a lottery drawing that can unlock additional prize tiers or multiply prizes. Various games use different names for their bonus ball, including Powerball, Mega Ball, Star Ball, and Lucky Ball.

Box (play type)

Box, also known as Any Order, is a Pick game wager type in which a player's numbers can match the drawn digits in any order. A box bet is easier to win than a Straight bet and therefore pays a lower prize. For example, picking 4-7-2 in a Box play wins if the drawn numbers are 4-7-2, 7-2-4, 2-4-7, or any other arrangement.

Bundle

A ticket bundle is an option offered by some state lotteries (such as Louisiana) that allows players to purchase multiple Quick Pick tickets all at once, in a bundle. It can be a good way of saving time while offering players more variety than a regular Multi-Draw ticket.

2by2

2by2 is a regional multi-state draw game offered in Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming. Players choose two red numbers from 1–26 and two white numbers from 1–26. There are four daily drawings, and the top prize is $22,000. The simple format and frequent draws make it popular in participating states.

2by2

2by2 is a regional multi-state draw game offered in Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming. Players choose two red numbers from 1–26 and two white numbers from 1–26. There are four daily drawings, and the top prize is $22,000. The simple format and frequent draws make it popular in participating states.

C

Cash4Life (Cash 4 Life, Cash For Life)

Cash4Life was a multi-state lottery game offered in ten states including New York, New Jersey, Florida, and Virginia. The top prize awarded $1,000 a day for life to the winner, with a second prize of $1,000 a week for life. Players selected five numbers from 1–60 and one Cash Ball from 1–4. The game was discontinued in 2026 and succeeded by Millionaire for Life.

Cash Option/Lump Sum

The cash option is the lump-sum payment available to jackpot winners as an alternative to the annuity. It is calculated as the present value of all future annuity payments and is typically between 50% and 70% of the advertised jackpot depending on prevailing interest rates. Generally, the Cash Option is more popular than the Annuity Option.

Cash Pop

Cash Pop is a draw game format offered by multiple state lotteries in which players choose one or more numbers, called POPs, from a small pool typically ranging from 1 to 15. A single POP is drawn in each drawing, and players who selected the matching number win a cash prize. Cash Pop tends to have very frequent draws, with some states drawing every few minutes.

Cash Value

Cash value is the present-day worth of a lottery jackpot's annuity payments, representing the amount of money needed today to fund all future instalments. The cash value is what lottery winners receive if they elect the cash option instead of annuity payments.

Claim Center

A claim center is an official lottery office or designated location where winners must go to validate and collect larger prizes (often around $600). Jackpot winners are always required to claim their prize in person or through an authorized legal representative at the lottery's headquarters or an authorized claim center in the state where the winning ticket was purchased.

Claim Form

A claim form is the official document that prize winners must complete when claiming lottery prizes above a certain amount, typically around $600. The form requires personal identification information, tax withholding elections, and payment preferences. Jackpot winners must always complete a claim form.

Claim Period

The claim period is the window of time after a drawing in which a winning ticket holder must submit their claim to collect their prize. Claim periods vary by state, typically ranging from 90 days to one year after the drawing date. Prizes on tickets not claimed within the claim period are forfeited.

Cold Numbers

Cold numbers are lottery numbers that have been drawn less frequently than others over a given historical period. Some players avoid cold numbers while others specifically choose them, believing they are 'due' to be drawn. Each drawing remains statistically independent regardless of historical frequency.

Combo (play type)

Combo is a Pick game wager type that covers all possible Straight combinations of the chosen digits by purchasing a separate Straight ticket for each arrangement. A Combo bet guarantees a Straight prize regardless of the order the numbers are drawn, but costs more because multiple tickets are generated.

Computerized Drawing

A computerized drawing is a lottery draw in which winning numbers are selected using a certified random number generator rather than physical ball equipment. Many instant-win and fast-play games use computerized draws, as do some daily numbers games.

D

Double Play

Double Play is an optional add-on to Powerball tickets available in select states. When a player adds Double Play, their Powerball numbers are automatically entered into a separate drawing held immediately after the main Powerball draw. The Double Play drawing has its own prize structure with a fixed top prize of $10,000,000. The Power Play multiplier does not apply to Double Play prizes.

Draw Date

The draw date is the calendar date on which a specific lottery drawing takes place. Players must purchase tickets before the cut-off time on or before the draw date to be eligible for that drawing.

Draw Game

A draw game is any lottery game in which winning numbers are selected through a scheduled drawing using physical ball machines or a certified random number generator. Players purchase tickets in advance and check their numbers against the drawn results after the drawing takes place.

Drawing

A drawing is the official process by which lottery winning numbers are selected for a specific game and date. Drawings are conducted under strict security protocols, witnessed by independent auditors, and may use physical ball machines or certified random number generators depending on the game.

E

Enabling Legislation

Enabling legislation is the law passed by a state legislature that authorizes the creation and operation of a state lottery. It establishes the legal framework, regulatory structure, and restrictions under which the lottery must operate, including how proceeds are to be used.

Estimated Jackpot

The estimated jackpot is the projected value of a lottery jackpot before a drawing, based on anticipated ticket sales. Because actual ticket sales may differ from projections, the final annuity value is calculated after the drawing closes. The estimate is used to promote the game ahead of each draw.

Expired Ticket

An expired ticket is a lottery ticket — whether from a draw game or an instant game—on which the claim period has passed without the prize being collected. Expired tickets cannot be redeemed for prizes once the claim period has expired.

EZ Match/Instant Match

EZ Match, also known as Instant Match, is an instant-win add-on offered on some state draw game tickets. When a player selects EZ Match, the ticket is printed with a set of EZ Match numbers alongside the player's chosen numbers. If any EZ Match number on the ticket matches one of the player's regular selections, the player wins an instant cash prize regardless of the main draw result.

Fast Play

Fast Play is a category of lottery game sold at retail terminals in which the outcome is determined immediately at purchase, similar to a scratch-off, but printed on demand by the terminal. Some Fast Play games carry progressive jackpots that grow until they are won. Some fast-play games use rapid scheduled draws rather than instant outcomes.

Fireball/Wild Ball (Pick Games)

Fireball, also known as the Wild Ball, is an optional add-on feature available in many state Pick 3, Pick 4, and Pick 5 games. In each draw, a separate Fireball digit is drawn in addition to the regular winning numbers. Players using the add-on can substitute the Fireball number for any one of the drawn digits to create more ways to win. Adding Fireball increases the ticket cost but expands the player's prize possibilities.

Fixed Prize Game

A fixed prize game is a lottery game in which prize amounts are predetermined and do not change based on ticket sales or the number of winners. Players in a fixed prize game always receive the same amount for each winning combination, regardless of how many others win. Fixed prize games typically include liability controls to ensure the lottery can afford to make the payments in the rare event of too many winners.

Game End Date

The game end date is the deadline after which an instant lottery game is closed and no new tickets may be sold. After this date, players typically still have a period of time to claim prizes on winning tickets purchased before the end date.

G

Graduated Payment

A graduated payment refers to the structure of lottery annuity instalments in which each payment is larger than the previous one. For Powerball and Mega Millions annuities, payments increase by 5% each year to help protect the winner's buying power against inflation.

H

Hot Numbers

Hot numbers are lottery numbers that have been drawn more frequently than others over a given historical period. Some players track hot numbers in the belief that past frequency indicates future likelihood, though each drawing is statistically independent and past results have no effect on future draws.

J

Jackpot

The jackpot is the top prize in a lottery draw game, awarded to the player or players who match all the required numbers. Jackpots in progressive-jackpot games like Powerball and Mega Millions begin at a guaranteed minimum and 'roll over' with each drawing that produces no winner.

Jackpot Cap

A jackpot cap is a maximum prize ceiling imposed by some lotteries, after which additional jackpot funds are redirected to lower prize tiers in a rolldown. Powerball does not have a jackpot cap, allowing its top prize to grow indefinitely until won. Jackpot caps are uncommon in US lotteries, but are a regular feature elsewhere in the world.

Jackpot Rollover

A jackpot rollover, also known as a roll up, or roll, occurs when no ticket matches all required numbers in a drawing. Additional funds generated by that draw's ticket sales are added to the existing jackpot, making it higher for the next draw.

Jackpot USA

Jackpot USA is a progressive jackpot Fast Play game offered by lotteries that are members of the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL). Players purchase instant-draw tickets, and a portion of each sale contributes to a shared progressive jackpot that increases until it is won. The game is offered in participating jurisdictions and may vary slightly by lottery.

K

Keno

Keno is a rapid-draw lottery game in which players select between 1 and 20 numbers from a pool of 1–80. Twenty numbers are drawn, and prizes are awarded based on how many of the player's selections match the drawn numbers. The draw frequency and the number of numbers (or 'Spots', as they're called in Keno) varies from one state to the next.

Keno Bulls-Eye

Keno Bulls-Eye is an optional add-on offered in some keno games. A Bulls-Eye ball is drawn from the same pool, or from among the winning numbers, and players who purchased the Bulls-Eye add-on win enhanced prizes if one of their spots matches the Bulls-Eye number.

L

Last Day to Claim

The last day to claim is the final date on which a winning lottery ticket—whether an instant ticket or draw game ticket—can be submitted for a prize. After this date, the prize is forfeited. The last day to claim is distinct from the game end date for instant tickets.

Latex Coating

Latex coating is the thin, opaque layer applied over the play area of a scratch-off ticket to conceal the prize result until the player scratches it away. The coating is designed to be removed cleanly with a coin or fingernail without revealing the result beneath until intentionally scratched.

Lottery App

A lottery app is an official mobile application offered by a state lottery that allows players to check ticket results, find retailers, view jackpot amounts, enter second chance promotions, and in some states, purchase tickets directly. Lottery apps are available for smartphones and tablets.

Lottery Beneficiary

A lottery beneficiary is the government program or fund that receives a share of lottery proceeds. Common beneficiaries include public education, transportation infrastructure, environmental conservation, and senior citizen programs, although this varies from state to state.

Lottery Courier

A lottery courier is a third-party service that purchases official state lottery tickets on behalf of customers. The courier purchases the physical ticket from an authorized retailer and provides the customer with a scan or digital copy.

Lottery Pool / Syndicate

A lottery pool, also called a syndicate, is an arrangement in which a group of players (such as coworkers, friends, or family members) combine their money to purchase multiple tickets together. Any prizes won are shared among all pool members according to a pre-agreed arrangement. Pools improve the group's overall odds of winning but as a result, each individual receives a smaller share of any prize.

Lottery Proceeds

Lottery proceeds are the portion of lottery revenue transferred to the designated state beneficiary after prizes, retailer commissions, and operating expenses are paid. Lottery proceeds fund public programs such as education, infrastructure, and social services depending on each state's enabling legislation.

Lottery Revenue

Lottery revenue refers to the total money generated from lottery ticket sales before any prize payouts or operational expenses are deducted. A portion of lottery revenue is returned as prizes, a portion covers administrative and retailer costs, and the remainder—called lottery proceeds—is transferred to the state beneficiary.

Lottery Terminal

A lottery terminal is the computer system installed at authorized retail locations that generates tickets, validates winning tickets, and processes smaller prize payments. Terminals are connected in real time to the state lottery's central system.

Lottery Ticket

A lottery ticket is the official, printed proof of purchase generated by a lottery terminal after a player's numbers and wager preferences have been entered. The ticket serves as the primary proof for claiming prizes and contains the player's selected numbers, draw date, game name, and any add-ons purchased.

Lottery Vending Machine

A lottery vending machine is a self-service kiosk that allows players to purchase lottery tickets without the assistance of a retail clerk. These machines are found in some authorized retail locations and typically accept cash and in some jurisdictions credit or debit cards or other approved payment methods.

Lotto

Lotto is a broad term for any lottery game in which players select a set of numbers from a larger pool and win the jackpot by matching all drawn numbers. In the United States, the term is used both generically and as the specific name for flagship jackpot games in several states.

Lotto America

The original Lotto America, also styled as Lotto*America, was the first multi-state lottery game in the United States, launching in 1988 with Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oregon, Rhode Island, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia as charter members. The game was rebranded as Powerball in 1992. The Lotto America name was later revived in 2017 for a separate, smaller-jackpot multi-state game.

Lucky for Life

Lucky for Life was a multi-state draw game offered in more than 20 states. Players would choose five numbers from 1–48 and one Lucky Ball from 1–18. The top prize paid $1,000 a day for life, and the second prize paid $25,000 a year for life. The game was retired in 2026 and replaced by Millionaire for Life.

Lucky Numbers

Lucky numbers are numbers that a player believes will increase their chances of winning based on personal significance, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or other meaningful dates. While players frequently choose lucky numbers, each lottery drawing is completely random and no number has a better statistical chance than any other.

M

Mega Ball

The Mega Ball is the single gold ball drawn from a separate drum of 25 balls numbered 1–25 in the Mega Millions game. Matching the Mega Ball is required to win the jackpot alongside five main numbers. It also determines eligibility for several lower-tier prizes.

Mega Millions

Mega Millions is a major multi-state lottery game offered in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Players choose five white balls from 1–70 and one gold Mega Ball from 1–25. Drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday evening. The game is known for producing some of the largest jackpots in U.S. lottery history.

Megaplier

The Megaplier was an optional $1 add-on for Mega Millions tickets that multiplies non-jackpot prizes by a randomly selected factor of 2x, 3x, 4x, or 5x. In April 2025, it was replaced by a mandatory random multiplier applied individually to each Mega Millions ticket – this new multiplier is often still referred to as the Megaplier colloquially.

Millionaire for Life

Millionaire for Life is a multi-state lottery game launched in 2026, replacing both Cash4Life and Lucky for Life. The top prize awards $1,000,000 a year for life to the jackpot winner. A second prize of $100,000 a year for life is also available. Players select five numbers and one Millionaire Ball.

Monitor Game

A monitor game is a lottery game displayed on screens at licensed retail locations, with results shown on those screens at frequent intervals. Keno and Racetrax are common examples of monitor games. Players purchase tickets at the counter and watch the results on the monitor.

Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL)

The Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL), is a non-profit, government-benefit corporation owned and operated by its member state lotteries. MUSL coordinates and administers major multi-state lottery games including Powerball and was founded in 1988. Its member lotteries share resources, security protocols, and game administration to offer games with larger jackpots than any single state could provide alone.

Multiplier

A multiplier is a number drawn in conjunction with some lottery games that multiplies the value of non-jackpot prizes for players who purchased the corresponding add-on. An example from the Powerball lottery would be the Power Play multiplier.

N

Number Analysis / Lottery Statistics

Number analysis, also called lottery statistics, is the study of historical lottery draw results to identify patterns such as hot numbers, cold numbers, and overdue numbers. State lottery websites and independent resources publish draw frequency data for players who wish to inform their number selections. Each individual drawing remains statistically random regardless of any patterns observed in past results.

Number Pool/Ball Matrix

The number pool, or Matrix, is the complete set of numbers from which players make their selections and from which winning numbers are drawn in a lottery game. For example, Powerball's white ball pool is 1–69 and the Powerball number pool is 1–26.

Numbers Game

A numbers game is a category of lottery draw game in which players select a sequence of digits, typically two to five numbers, and win prizes based on how their sequence matches the drawn result. Pick 3 and Pick 4 are the most common formats. Numbers games originated as illegal street gambling operations before being adopted by state lotteries.

Numerology

Numerology is the practice of assigning meaning to numbers based on personal, cultural, or mystical significance. Some lottery players use numerology to choose their ticket numbers, selecting figures associated with birthdays, names, anniversaries, or other personally significant events. Numerological selections have the same statistical odds as any other number combination.

O

Odds

Odds express the statistical probability of winning a specific lottery prize, typically stated as '1 in X.' The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot, for example, are 1 in 292,201,338. Odds are calculated based on the game's matrix and do not change from drawing to drawing.

Overall Odds

Overall odds represent the probability of winning any prize in a lottery game, from the smallest to the jackpot. For Powerball, the overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.9.

Overdue Numbers

Overdue Numbers are numbers which, for a specific lottery, have gone for the longest period without being drawn. Many lottery fans track the overdue numbers for their favourite games, in the belief that they are due an appearance soon. However, though in a fair random drawing, every number has an equal chance in each draw regardless of history.

P

Pack

A pack is a bundle of instant lottery tickets from the same game and series, typically containing 150 to 300 tickets. Retailers receive scratch-off tickets in packs from the lottery and are responsible for activating and selling them.

Pack Activation

Pack activation is the process by which an authorized retailer registers a new pack of instant lottery tickets with the state lottery's central system before beginning to sell them. Activation ensures the tickets are tracked and eligible for prize validation.

Pair (play type)

Front Pair is a Pick 3 or Pick 4 wager type in which the player only needs to match two digits in exact order. Front Pair, Back Pair, Split Pair, and Mid Pair (Pick 4 only) are available depending on which state you're in. This play type has the best odds of winning, but the lowest payout.

Pari-mutuel Prize

A pari-mutuel prize is a prize amount that is calculated by dividing the allocated portion of the prize pool among all winners in a given tier. The more winners there are, the smaller each individual pari-mutuel prize becomes. California uses pari-mutuel prizes extensively across its lottery games.

Pick 2

Pick 2 is a daily numbers game format in which players select a two-digit number from 00 to 99. Players also choose a wager type that determines how strictly the digits must match the drawn result.

Pick 3

Pick 3 is one of the most popular daily lottery game formats in the United States. Players choose a three-digit number from 000 to 999 and select a play type that determines how their number must match the drawn result. Drawings are typically held twice daily. In Pick 3, it's common to be able to select a wager amount, determining your ticket cost and the prize(s) available for your play. Some states don't use the name Pick 3: Daily 3 and Cash 3 are some well-known alternatives.

Pick 4

Pick 4 is a daily lottery game in which players choose a four-digit number from 0000 to 9999. Players also select a wager type to determine how their number must match the four digits drawn. It's also usually possible to decide your wager amount/ticket cost for yourself from a set of options. Many states offer this game, but it isn't always called Pick 4: Cash 4 and Match 4 are examples of alternative names.

Pick 5

Pick 5 is a daily lottery game format in which players select a five-digit number from 00000 to 99999. Players choose a play type to determine matching requirements. Some state lotteries offer Pick 5 as their largest daily numbers game, but it's less common than Pick 3 and Pick 4.

Pick Game

A Pick game is a daily lottery draw game in which players select a sequence of numbers—such as two, three, four, or five digits—and win prizes based on matching the drawn sequence. Wager types like Straight, Box, and Combo determine whether the digits need to match in the exact drawn order or not. Pick games are played in most states, and often include optional add-ons.

Play Limit

A play limit is a restriction a player can set on their lottery account to cap the amount they spend on tickets over a given time period, such as daily, weekly, or monthly. Play limits are offered as part of responsible gambling tools by state lotteries operating iLottery platforms.

Playslip

A playslip, sometimes spelled as two words, is the paper form provided at retail lottery locations for players to manually mark their chosen numbers and wager preferences. Players fill in the playslip and hand it to the retailer, who inserts it into the lottery terminal to generate an official ticket.

Power Play

Power Play is an optional add-on available with every Powerball ticket that multiplies non-jackpot prizes by a randomly drawn multiplier of 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x. The 10x multiplier is only available when the jackpot is $150 million or less. Match 5 prizes are always doubled to $2,000,000 with Power Play, regardless of the multiplier drawn. Power Play does not apply to jackpot prizes

Powerball

Powerball is the flagship multi-state lottery game administered by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL), available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Players select five white balls from a pool of 1–69 and one red Powerball from a pool of 1–26. Drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM Eastern Time. This game has produced some of the biggest jackpots in world history.

Powerball Double Play

Powerball Double Play is an optional add-on feature available in select states that enters a player's Powerball numbers into a separate second drawing held on the same night. The Double Play drawing has its own prize structure with a fixed top prize of $10,000,000. Power Play multipliers do not apply to Double Play prizes.

Powerball Number

The Powerball number is the single red ball drawn from a separate drum of 26 balls. Matching the Powerball is required to win the jackpot alongside the five white balls, and it also unlocks several lower-tier prizes.

Prize Claim

A prize claim is the formal process a winner goes through to collect their lottery prize. Requirements vary by prize amount and state, but typically involve submitting the winning ticket, completing a claim form, and providing valid identification.

Prize Pool

The prize pool is the total amount of money set aside from ticket sales to fund winnings across all prize tiers in a lottery game. The percentage of ticket revenue allocated to the prize pool varies by game and state, typically ranging from 50% to 60% of total sales.

Prize Symbol

A prize symbol is a number, word, or image revealed beneath the latex coating of a scratch-off ticket that indicates whether the ticket is a winner and, if so, the prize amount. The presence of specific matching symbols or prize amounts determines a win based on the game's rules.

Prize Tier/Prize Category

Prize tiers, also known as prize categories, are one of the multiple levels of winnings in a lottery game based on how many numbers a player matches. Most draw games have several prize tiers ranging from matching just a single number up to the jackpot for matching all numbers.

Problem Gambling

Problem gambling describes a pattern of gambling behavior that disrupts a person's personal, financial, or professional life. State lotteries and licensed gambling organizations are required to provide resources and information for players experiencing problem gambling, including referrals to helplines and counseling services.

Progressive Jackpot Game

A progressive jackpot game is a lottery game in which the jackpot increases each time it is not won, rolling over prize money from one drawing to the next. Many Fast Play and draw games feature progressive jackpots that can grow significantly before a winner is found.

Q

QR Code

A QR code is a two-dimensional machine-readable code printed on some lottery tickets and instant games used by lotteries to enable secure ticket validation, result checking, and digital integrations. Players can scan QR codes with a smartphone or lottery app to quickly check their ticket, enter second chance draws, or access related game information.

Quick Pick (QP)

Quick Pick, abbreviated QP, is an option that allows the lottery terminal's random number generator to automatically select numbers on behalf of the player. Quick Pick is the most popular method of purchasing lottery tickets and, as a result, accounts for a large share of jackpot-winning tickets in the United States.

R

Racetrax

Racetrax is a virtual horse racing lottery game offered by Maryland, West Virginia, and other state lotteries. Players wager on the outcome of computer-animated horse races determined by a certified random number generator. Races are held every four to five minutes, with results visible on monitors at participating retail locations.

Raffle

A lottery raffle is a game in which a fixed number of tickets are sold and one or more winning tickets are drawn at random. Unlike standard draw games, raffles guarantee a set number of winners. State lotteries often run raffles around holidays or special occasions.

Random Number Generator (RNG)

A random number generator, or RNG, is a certified computer algorithm used to produce lottery winning numbers electronically in games that do not use physical ball machines. RNGs used by state lotteries are independently tested and certified to ensure that each number drawn has an equal and unpredictable probability of selection.

Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling refers to the set of policies, tools, and educational programs that state lotteries and gambling operators provide to help players keep their lottery play fun, affordable, and under control. This includes deposit limits, play reminders, self-exclusion programs, and resources for players who feel their gambling may be problematic.

Rolldown

A rolldown occurs when a lottery jackpot reaches a predetermined cap without being won, resulting in the prize money set aside for the jackpot being distributed to players who matched fewer numbers. Rolldowns tend not to feature much in American lotteries and are more common in Europe.

S

Scratch Area

The scratch area is the portion of an instant lottery ticket covered by latex coating that players must scratch to reveal their game outcome. Each ticket will contain one or more scratch areas depending on the game format.

Scratch-Off / Scratch Card / Scratcher / Scratch Ticket

A scratch-off is a common term for an instant lottery ticket in which players scratch away a concealed area to reveal prize symbols or numbers. Scratch-offs are available at a wide range of price points and offer a variety of themes and game formats. There are lots of alternative names for Scratch-Offs, listed above.

Second Chance Draw

A second chance draw is a promotional opportunity that allows players to enter non-winning lottery tickets or scratch tickets for an additional chance to win prizes. Players typically submit entries online or through a lottery app, and winners are selected in separate drawings.

Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion is a voluntary program that allows a player to formally request that they be banned from purchasing lottery tickets or participating in lottery games for a set period or indefinitely. Self-exclusion programs are available through most state lotteries and are a key component of responsible gambling initiatives.

Smart Pick / Smart Play

Smart Pick, or Smart Play, is a number selection method that uses statistical analysis, historical data, or algorithms to generate suggested lottery numbers rather than purely random or manually chosen ones. While the underlying odds of winning remain the same as with any ticket, Smart Pick appeals to players who prefer data-guided selections over random Quick Picks.

Spot (Keno)

In keno, a spot refers to each individual number a player selects on their keno ticket. A player who selects three numbers is said to be playing a 3-spot game; one who selects 10 numbers is playing a 10-spot game. The term is used across both physical keno at retailers and video keno terminals.

Star Ball

The Star Ball is the bonus number drawn in the Lotto America game. Players choose one Star Ball from a pool of 1–10 in addition to their five main numbers. Matching the Star Ball alongside other numbers unlocks additional prize tiers and is required to win the jackpot.

Starting Jackpot

The starting jackpot is the guaranteed minimum prize amount that a lottery jackpot resets to after being won. Games like Powerball and Mega Millions with progressive jackpots will always specify a minimum/starting jackpot.

State General Fund

The state general fund is the main government account that receives lottery revenues in states where proceeds are not earmarked for a specific program. Funds deposited into the general fund can be allocated by the legislature for any authorized public purpose.

State Lottery Commission

A state lottery commission is the government body responsible for overseeing and regulating lottery operations within a given state. Commissions handle retailer licensing, drawing oversight, rule enforcement, prize claims, and compliance with state laws. Most commissions are appointed by the governor or state legislature.

State Tax

State tax refers to income taxes levied by individual states on lottery winnings. The rate and rules vary significantly by state—some states have no lottery tax at all, while others withhold a significant percentage. Players should consult a tax professional for guidance specific to their situation.

Straight (play type)

Straight, also known as Exact Order, is a Pick game wager type in which a player's numbers must match the drawn digits in exact order. For example, in a Pick 3 game, if the player picks 4-7-2, the winning draw must be exactly 4-7-2. Straight bets offer the highest prize amounts because they are the hardest to win.

Straight/Box (play type)

Straight/Box is a combination wager in Pick games that splits the player's bet between a Straight play and a Box play using the same numbers. If the numbers match in exact order, the player wins the Straight prize plus the Box prize. If they match in any order but not exact, the player wins only the Box portion.

Subscription Play

Subscription play allows lottery players to automatically purchase tickets for the same game using the same numbers for a predetermined number of consecutive drawings. Tickets are generated and charged to the player's account or payment method without requiring a separate trip to the retailer.

T

Tax Withholding

Tax withholding is the automatic deduction of federal and often state taxes from a lottery prize before the payment is made to the winner. Federal law requires 24% to be withheld from prizes over $5,000. Additional state income taxes are usually also withheld, although this depends on the state where the ticket was purchased.

Ticket Price Point

Ticket price point refers to the retail cost of an individual lottery ticket. Scratch-off tickets are available at multiple price points—commonly $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $30, and $50—with higher price points generally offering better odds and larger top prizes.

Ticket Sales Cutoff

The ticket sales cutoff is the deadline by which a player must purchase a lottery ticket to be included in a specific drawing. Cut-off times are set by individual state lotteries and for big lotteries are typically 60 to 120 minutes before each draw to allow ticket sales data to be processed. For smaller state lotteries, particularly those with multiple daily draws, the cut-off time might only be a few minutes before the draw.

Ticket Serial Number

The ticket serial number is a unique numerical identifier printed on every lottery ticket. Lottery systems use serial numbers alongside barcodes to verify a ticket's authenticity and match it to the correct drawing during the prize validation process.

Ticket Series

A ticket series is a batch of instant lottery tickets printed with the same game theme and price point. Each series has a defined number of tickets and prize distribution. Once a series is sold out, the game may be retired or a new series printed.

Top Prize Remaining

Top prize remaining is a figure that indicates how many of the highest-value instant ticket prizes in a given scratch-off game have not yet been claimed. State lotteries publish this information online to help players make informed decisions about which games to play.

Tri-State Lottery

The Tri-State Lottery is a lottery consortium formed in 1985 by the lotteries of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. It operates shared draw games including Tri-State Megabucks, Gimme 5, Pick 3, Pick 4, and Fast Play across all three states.

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Video Lottery Terminal (VLT)

A video lottery terminal is an electronic gaming machine connected to a state lottery's central system that offers simulated casino-style games such as slots, poker, or keno. VLTs are authorized in many states.

Void Ticket

A void ticket is a lottery ticket that has been cancelled by the retailer immediately after printing, before it is handed to the customer. Tickets may be voided due to errors in number entry or other issues. A voided ticket has no value and cannot be used to claim prizes.

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Ways (Pick Games)

When using a play type in a Pick game that allows your numbers to win regardless of the order they're in, it makes a big difference whether your line includes any duplicate digits. In Pick 3, you can play a 3-Way (two like digits and one unique) or a 6-Way (three unique digits). In Pick 4, you can play 4-Way, 6-Way, 12-Way, or 24-Way. The number of ways is the number of unique combinations you can make with your digits. Depending on the play type you selected, More Ways = better odds, in exchange for lower prizes or higher ticket cost.