The Minnesota Lottery

The Minnesota Lottery offers a range of exciting games with the potential for big winnings, all while supporting important state initiatives. From daily drawings to multi-state jackpots, there's a game for everyone.

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Minnesota Lottery Games & Results

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Minnesota Lottery History

Established in 1988 through a voter referendum, the Minnesota Lottery has been a cornerstone of state funding and entertainment for over three decades. The first tickets were sold in 1990, and since then, the lottery has expanded to include various games like Pick 3, Gopher 5, and multi-state options such as Powerball and Mega Millions. The lottery's revenue supports Minnesota's general fund, environmental projects, and other state programs.


Most Popular Minnesota Lottery Games


Minnesota offers a diverse selection of lottery games, each with its own unique appeal and history. Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular options:


Powerball

Powerball is arguably the most famous lottery game in Minnesota and across the United States. It captures the imagination of players with its massive jackpots, which often reach hundreds of millions of dollars. The game involves selecting five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are steep at 1 in 292 million, but the allure of life-changing sums keeps players coming back. Minnesota has had several big Powerball winners, including a group of school employees who won $190.9 million in 2018.

Gopher 5

Gopher 5 is a Minnesota-exclusive game that has been a staple of the state's lottery offerings since its introduction. Players choose five numbers from a pool of 1 to 47. The game features a starting jackpot of $100,000, which rolls over and increases until someone wins. This feature makes Gopher 5 particularly appealing to those who prefer playing for growing jackpots within a more manageable odds range. The game has produced numerous local winners, with jackpots occasionally reaching into the millions, making it one of the most beloved lotteries in the state.

Pick 3

Pick 3 is a straightforward and flexible game that offers various betting options, allowing players to win by matching their numbers in different ways. Players select three digits, each between 0 and 9, and can choose to play straight (exact match), box (any order), or other combinations that offer different payouts. The game draws daily, and the relatively low cost per ticket, combined with multiple betting options, makes it a popular choice for those looking for frequent, smaller wins. Pick 3’s simplicity and daily play opportunities have made it a consistent favorite among Minnesotans.

Mega Millions

Mega Millions is another multi-state lottery that offers enormous jackpots, often rivaling those of Powerball. Players select five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Like Powerball, the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are long, but the potential payouts are immense, making it a favorite among Minnesotans. In 2022, Minnesota celebrated its first Mega Millions jackpot win when a couple took home a $110 million prize, adding to the game's popularity in the state.

Northstar Cash

Northstar Cash, now known as North 5, is another Minnesota-only game, and it’s well-known for having the best odds among the state’s jackpot games. Players select five numbers from 1 to 31, and the jackpot starts at $25,000. The game is drawn daily, providing frequent opportunities to win. The odds of winning the North 5 jackpot are significantly better than those for other Minnesota lottery games, at 1 in 169,911, making it an attractive option for players who prefer better chances of winning, even if the jackpot is smaller compared to Powerball or Mega Millions.


Minnesota Lottery Games With The Best Odds

North 5 is widely regarded as the Minnesota lottery game with the best odds. The game offers a daily draw, which means more frequent opportunities for players to win. In North 5, players choose five numbers from a pool of 1 to 31. Specifically, the odds of winning the Northstar Cash jackpot are 1 in 169,911.

Another Minnesota lottery game with favorable odds is Pick 3. This game offers a straightforward betting system that allows players to choose three digits, each ranging from 0 to 9. Although the payouts are smaller compared to jackpot games, the odds of winning something are relatively good, particularly when playing combinations like box or straight/box, which have more frequent payouts.

Gopher 5 is a Minnesota-exclusive game that strikes a balance between attractive jackpots and decent odds. In Gopher 5, players select five numbers from a pool of 1 to 47. The odds of winning the Gopher 5 jackpot are 1 in 1,533,939, which, while not as favorable as North 5, are still better than the odds for national games like Powerball and Mega Millions.

You can check the odds of winning Minnesota games in the table below:

Game Odds Of Winning Jackpot Odds Of Winning Any Prize
Powerball 1 in 292,201,338 1 in 24.87
Mega Millions 1 in 302,575,350 1 in 24
Lotto America 1 in 25,989,600 1 in 9.63
Gopher 5 1 in 1,533,939 1 in 12
North 5 1 in 169,911 1 in 6

Learn About Lottery Games

Before diving headlong into purchasing Minnesota lottery tickets online, it is essential to understand how lotteries work and what your odds of winning are.

Understanding lottery odds, jackpots, and rules helps you make informed decisions before making your picks. Thankfully, a wealth of information is available on Jackpot.com, covering various lottery games in Minnesota and other states. Familiarizing yourself with the basics of lottery systems and how they function can go a long way in helping you develop an effective playing strategy.

How does the Powerball work How does Mega Millions work

Resources For Responsible Gambling

It's important to play responsibly and within your means. If you or someone you know needs support or guidance, there are various responsible gambling resources available to help you stay in control and enjoy the game safely.

The Minnesota Lottery and Jackpot.com both provide access to numerous resources and support services to promote responsible play. Whether you need tips for managing your play or assistance for someone struggling with gambling, these resources are designed to ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have compiled a list of FAQs related to online lottery tickets to make sure you have the best possible lottery experience. Still have questions? Get in touch with our Customer Experience Team.