How to Play the Cash 5 Lottery: A Comprehensive Guide

Written by Jackpot Staff

January 3, 2025

Overview of Cash 5

The Cash 5 lottery game is a thrilling opportunity for players to try their luck at winning substantial prizes by simply selecting five numbers. This game is a staple in several states, including Pennsylvania, Texas, Colorado, and Virginia each offering its own unique twist on the rules and prize structures. The straightforward nature of the game, combined with the potential for significant winnings, makes Cash 5 a beloved choice among lottery enthusiasts.

Variations Across States

While the fundamental concept of Cash 5 remains consistent across different states, there are intriguing variations in the rules, prize structures, and additional features that each state offers. Understanding these differences is essential for players who wish to maximize their chances of winning and fully enjoy the gaming experience.

How to Play Cash 5

Step 1: Obtaining a Ticket

Getting a Playslip

To embark on your Cash 5 journey, the first step is to obtain a playslip, which you can easily acquire from a lottery retailer in any participating state. This playslip is your gateway to selecting your numbers manually or opting for a quick pick. For instance, in Texas, you can conveniently get a Cash Five playslip from your preferred Texas Lottery retailer or even use the Texas Lottery App to create your play.

Quick Pick Option

For those who prefer to leave their fate to chance, the "Quick Pick" option is a fantastic feature. This option allows the lottery terminal to randomly select the numbers for you, making the process both easy and exciting. This feature is available in all states, ensuring a hassle-free experience for players who want to dive right into the game.

Step 2: Selecting Numbers

Number Range

The core of the Cash 5 game lies in selecting the five numbers that could potentially lead to a win. Each state has its own number range:

Pennsylvania: Players in Pennsylvania select five numbers from a pool of 1 to 43. This is part of the Cash 5 with Quick Cash game, which includes both a drawing and an instant win component.

Texas: In Texas, the number range is from 1 to 35. Players can choose these numbers manually or opt for the Quick Pick feature.

Colorado: in Colorado, players pick numbers from a pool of 1 to 32.

Virginia: For the Virginia version, known as Cash 5 with EZ Match, players select five numbers from a range of 1 to 45.

Multiple Plays

Players often have the option to play multiple sets of numbers on a single ticket, which adds an extra layer of excitement and strategy to the game. For example, in Pennsylvania, you can purchase up to ten plays for seven consecutive Cash 5 Drawings, with each play identified by a separate ticket or game number. In Texas, Colorado and Virginia, you can also play multiple sets of numbers, either by filling out multiple boards on a playslip or using the multi-draw option.

Step 3: Purchasing the Ticket

Cost Per Play

Once you have selected your numbers, the next step is to purchase your ticket. The cost per play varies by state:

Pennsylvania: The cost for playing Cash 5 with Quick Cash in Pennsylvania is $2 per play, which includes one Cash 5 Drawing play and one Quick Cash instant win play.

Texas: In Texas, each Cash Five play costs $1.

Colorado: In Colorado, you can purchase one line for $1, and for an extra $1 you can add an EZ Match feature.

Virginia: For Cash 5 with EZ Match in Virginia, each play costs $1, with an additional $1 option for the EZ Match feature.

Multi-Draw Option

All four states offer a multi-draw option, allowing players to play the same numbers for multiple consecutive drawings. This feature is perfect for those who want to increase their chances of winning without having to purchase a new ticket for each drawing.

Texas: Players can mark the "MULTI-DRAW" box to play up to 12 consecutive drawings.

Colorado: Cash 5 tickets can be purchased for up to 13 weeks which is 91 consecutive drawings.

Virginia: You can purchase tickets for up to 91 consecutive drawings, including the current drawing, by selecting the Multi-Draw option.

Pennsylvania: While not explicitly stated as a multi-draw option, players can purchase up to ten plays for seven consecutive Cash 5 Drawings.

Step 4: Drawing and Winning Numbers

Drawing Schedule

The anticipation builds as you await the drawing of the winning numbers. Each state has its own schedule for Cash 5 drawings:

Pennsylvania: Drawings for Cash 5 with Quick Cash are held daily or as determined by the Secretary.

Texas: Cash Five drawings are held Monday through Saturday at 10:12 PM CT.

Colorado: Cash 5 drawings take place seven days a week at approximately 7:35 PM.

Virginia: Drawings for Cash 5 with EZ Match take place seven days a week at 11 PM.

Winning Numbers

In each state, five numbers are randomly drawn for each game. Players win by matching two to five of these numbers. The prize structure includes payouts for matching 2, 3, 4, or 5 numbers, with the top prize for matching all 5 numbers. Each state offers its own unique prize structure:

Pennsylvania: The prize structure includes payouts for matching 2, 3, 4, or 5 numbers, with the top prize for matching all 5 numbers.

Texas: Prizes are awarded for matching 2, 3, 4, or 5 numbers, with a top prize of $25,000 for matching all 5 numbers.

Colorado: In Colorado, prizes are also awarded for matching 2, 3, 4, or 5 numbers, with a fixed jackpot of $20,000 for matching the entire winning combination.

Virginia: The prize structure includes payouts for matching 2, 3, 4, or 5 numbers, with a jackpot starting at $200,000 and growing until won.

Winning and Prizes

Matching Numbers

The prize structure varies slightly between states but generally follows a similar pattern. In Pennsylvania, the prizes range from $2 for matching 2 numbers to the jackpot for matching all 5 numbers. The jackpot is 44% of the Cash 5 Drawing prize pool, plus any carried-forward prize money. In Texas, the prizes include a free Cash Five Quick Pick for matching 2 numbers, $15 for matching 3 numbers, $350 for matching 4 numbers, and $25,000 for matching all 5 numbers. In Colorado, the prizes start at $1 for matching only 2 numbers and grow to $20,000 for matching all 5 numbers. In Virginia, the prizes start at $2 for matching 2 numbers and go up to the jackpot, which starts at $200,000 and grows until it is won.

Parimutuel Basis

In some cases, especially for lower-tier prizes, the payouts are determined on a parimutuel basis. This means that the prize amounts can vary based on the total number of winning tickets and the overall ticket sales for the game.

Special Features

EZ Match (Virginia and Colorado)

Some versions of Cash 5 come with special features that enhance the gameplay experience. In Virginia and Colorado, the Cash 5 with EZ Match game offers an optional feature called EZ Match. For an additional $1 per play, players can win instantly by matching any of their EZ Match numbers to their selected Cash 5 numbers. The top prize for EZ Match is $500, and players can claim these prizes immediately.

Claiming Prizes

Ticket Validation

To claim a prize, the ticket must be validated and meet specific criteria. Tickets must be signed and presented to the lottery or its authorized representative for validation. In Pennsylvania, for example, the Quick Cash ticket is the only valid proof of the bet placed and the only valid receipt for claiming a prize.

Claiming Period

There is a specified period within which tickets must be claimed. In Texas, tickets must be claimed no later than 180 days after the draw date. Similarly, in Virginia, tickets must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date.

Additional Tips

Checking Results

Self-Service Machines

To ensure you don’t miss out on any winnings, it’s crucial to check your ticket results. Players can check their tickets at retail locations using self-service machines. For instance, in Texas, you can use the Check-a-Ticket machine at any licensed Texas Lottery Retailer.

Official Website and App

Results can also be checked on the official lottery website or through the lottery app. In Virginia, you can check your numbers on the Virginia Lottery website or through their app.

Future Play and Repeat Play Options

Some states offer additional features to make playing more convenient.

Multi-Draw and Future Play

In Virginia, you can select a single draw date up to 90 days from the current drawing or opt for the Multi-Draw option to play up to 91 consecutive drawings.

Repeat Play

In some states, you can repeat your play up to a certain number of times for the same drawing. For example, in Virginia, you can repeat your play up to 20 times for the same drawing.

By understanding these rules and features, players can navigate the Cash 5 game with ease, whether they are playing in Pennsylvania, Colorado, Texas, or Virginia. Each state's version offers unique twists that make the game exciting and rewarding for those who participate.