Washington Lottery

Established in 1982, the Washington State Lottery has become an important part of the state’s entertainment and funding landscape. Created to generate revenue for various public programs, the lottery is a significant contributor to state education. With games ranging from scratch-off tickets to multi-state draws like Powerball and Mega Millions, the Washington Lottery offers state residents a chance at winning life-changing prizes.

Washington

Washington Lottery Games & Results

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Washington Lottery History

The Washington State Lottery was officially established after the passage of House Bill No. 1251 more than 40 years ago. Signed into law by Governor John Spellman on July 16, 1982, the lottery was created to support the state’s General Fund which included state programs education, human service programs and national resources, among other causes. State voters have since approved changes that primarily fund education.

The first game, a $1 scratch-off called "Pot O'Gold," launched in November 1982. In the following years, the lottery expanded its offerings with games like Pick 3 and Lotto. Washington joined the multi-state Mega Millions in 2002 and Powerball in 2010, expanding its range of draw games.


Most Popular Washington Lottery Games


The Washington Lottery offers a range of games, some of which stand out due to their high payout potential.


Powerball and Mega Millions

Among these, Powerball and Mega Millions are the most widely recognized. These multi-state games offer the largest jackpots, often reaching hundreds of millions of dollars.The allure of these games lies in their record-breaking prizes, like the $380 million Mega Millions jackpot won in Washington in 2011. Powerball players choose 5 numbers from a pool of 69, plus an additional Powerball number from 26. Mega Millions is similar, requiring 5 numbers from 70 and one Mega Ball from 25.

Hit 5

Hit 5 is another local favorite, known for better odds compared to the larger national games. Players select 5 numbers from 1-42, with the jackpot starting at $100,000. The game's relatively smaller pool of numbers improves the chances of winning, making it a popular choice.

Lotto

For players looking for local in-state games with reasonably high payouts, Lotto remains a favorite. Since its launch in 1984, Lotto has been a staple in Washington. Players select six numbers from a set of 49, with the jackpot starting at $1 million and rolling over until it is won. Drawings occur three times a week, giving players multiple chances to win.

Scratch games

In addition to draw games, Washington’s Lottery offers a wide variety of scratch games, which are popular for their instant results and favorable odds. Games like Ultimate Riches, Black Ice, and WA Millionaire's Club are well-known for offering top-tier prizes with odds of winning under 1 in 3. These scratch games are frequently updated with new themes and prize structures, appealing to players seeking both quick thrills and big rewards.


Washington Lottery Games With The Best Odds

When it comes to favorable odds, several Washington Lottery games stand out. Among draw games, Match 4 offers some of the best odds, with players having a 1 in 8.7 chance of winning any prize. The top prize in this game is $10,000 with odds of 1 in 10,600 for hitting all four numbers.

For scratch games, options like Money Money Money, Ultimate Riches and Black Ice offer some of the best overall odds of winning. Each of these games has odds under 1 in 3, making them popular choices for players looking to increase their chances of winning, albeit smaller prizes.


You can check the odds of winning Washington 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 1 in 6,990,000 1 in 27.1
Hit 5 1 in 851,000 1 in 10.1
Match 4 1 in 10,600 1 in 8.7

Learn About Lottery Games

Before diving headlong into purchasing lottery tickets, it is important 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 Washington 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 Washington Lottery and Jackpot.com 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.