The Connecticut Lottery offers a variety of draw games that require players to match certain numbers in order to win prizes. The most popular game is CT Lotto, which requires players to match 6 out of 44 numbers to win the jackpot. So how many numbers do you need to match to win prizes in CT Lotto? Here’s a quick overview:
Conclusion
In the CT Lotto game, you need to match at least 3 numbers to win a prize. The more numbers you match, the bigger the prize:
- Match 3 numbers – Win $5
- Match 4 numbers – Win $100
- Match 5 numbers – Win $500
- Match 5 numbers + Powerball – Win $50,000
- Match 6 numbers – Jackpot
The jackpot starts at $1 million and continues growing until someone wins it. So in order to have a chance at winning the jackpot, you’ll need to match all 6 numbers drawn. But matching just 3 numbers is enough to win a small prize.
How CT Lotto Works
CT Lotto is a 6/44 game, which means players choose 6 numbers from 1 to 44. Twice a week on Monday and Thursday, six winning numbers are randomly drawn along with a Powerball number. The Powerball number offers a chance to multiply non-jackpot prizes.
To play, you can choose your own 6 numbers by using a play slip or asking for a Quick Pick. Each play costs $1. You can play up to 10 consecutive draws on one ticket by marking the Multi-Draw box.
Drawings are held every Monday and Thursday at approximately 10:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased until 10:00 PM on draw days.
Prizes and Odds
The CT Lotto prize structure is as follows:
Match | Odds | Prize |
---|---|---|
6 numbers | 1 in 7,059,052 | Jackpot |
5 numbers + PB | 1 in 701,33 | $50,000 |
5 numbers | 1 in 18,492 | $500 |
4 numbers | 1 in 620 | $100 |
3 numbers | 1 in 50 | $5 |
As you can see, matching all 6 numbers correctly gives you the best chance at winning the jackpot, but the odds are only 1 in 7 million. Matching 3 numbers still gives you a 1 in 50 chance of winning a small $5 prize.
Tips for Winning CT Lotto
Here are some tips that may help improve your odds of winning a prize in CT Lotto:
Choose your own numbers
Don’t rely solely on Quick Pick. Come up with your own set of numbers, or use a mix of self-picked numbers and Quick Picks. Some people use birthdays, anniversaries, or lucky numbers.
Check for frequent numbers
See if any numbers get drawn more often than others. You may notice patterns and can include these “hot” numbers in your picks.
Use a balanced selection
Choose a mix of low, medium, and high numbers. Avoid picking all numbers under 31 or over 31, for example.
Try multiple tickets
Increase your odds by buying several tickets with different number combinations. But only do this within your budget.
Join an office pool
Pooling money with co-workers or friends allows you to afford more tickets and combinations.
Use lottery apps
Consider using lottery apps to get notifications for drawings, scan tickets, look up numbers, and more. Some apps offer additional features to help choose numbers.
Check your tickets
Don’t forget to check if you have a winning ticket! Unclaimed prizes expire one year after the drawing date.
Biggest CT Lotto Jackpots
Here are some of the biggest jackpots awarded in CT Lotto history:
Jackpot | Date Won |
---|---|
$31.85 million | June 2005 |
$20.75 million | December 2016 |
$12.5 million | March 2014 |
$11.3 million | January 2022 |
$10.2 million | August 2020 |
The biggest CT Lotto jackpot to date was $31.85 million, won on June 21, 2005 by a single ticket. More recently, a $11.3 million jackpot was hit in January 2022.
FAQs
How much does it cost to play CT Lotto?
CT Lotto tickets cost $1 per play. You can add on the Power Play option for an extra $1 per play to multiply non-jackpot prizes.
When do CT Lotto drawings take place?
Drawings are held every Monday and Thursday night at approximately 10:30 PM Eastern Time.
Where can I buy CT Lotto tickets?
Tickets can be purchased at over 2,900 authorized retailers across Connecticut. You can find retailers on the CT Lottery website and app.
Can I buy CT Lotto tickets online?
No, Connecticut does not currently allow online lottery ticket sales. Tickets must be purchased in-person at authorized retailers.
What is the deadline for buying tickets?
Tickets sales cut off at 10:00 PM on draw nights. You cannot purchase tickets after this time.
What happens if no one wins the jackpot?
If no one matches all 6 numbers, the jackpot rolls over and continues growing for the next drawing. This can result in very large jackpots.
What is the CT Lotto Powerball number?
The Powerball is an extra number drawn from 1 to 44. It offers a chance to multiply non-jackpot prizes if matched.
What is the biggest CT Lotto jackpot ever?
The record CT Lotto jackpot is $31.85 million, won in June 2005 on a single ticket. It remains the game’s biggest jackpot to date.
Conclusion
In summary, to play CT Lotto you pick 6 numbers from 1 to 44. To win the jackpot, you’ll need to match all 6 winning numbers. But you can win smaller prizes by matching 3, 4, or 5 numbers. Tickets cost $1 per play and can be purchased at authorized retailers across Connecticut.
Drawings take place every Monday and Thursday at 10:30 PM. The game also features a Powerball number to multiply smaller prizes. While the odds of hitting the jackpot are very high at 1 in 7 million, buying multiple tickets can help increase your chances.
Some people use special techniques with their number picks, while others prefer Quick Picks. Checking for frequent numbers, using lottery apps, and joining pools with others can potentially help boost your odds as well.
CT Lotto has awarded massive jackpots over $30 million in the past. Even matching just 3 numbers wins a $5 prize. So with such a wide range of prizes available, CT Lotto gives players an exciting chance to win big jackpots twice a week.
Matching all 6 numbers is the ultimate goal, but 3 or more numbers can still win you money. Check those tickets carefully because you never know when you might have a big CT Lotto winner!