Lottery in Arizona

Lotteries have been legal in Arizona since July 1, 1981. Of the revenue generated by the Arizona State Lottery, 29 percent is deposited into the state fund and other community projects, and 50% of the revenue is given back to winning players. However, although Arizona has held a lottery for over 40 years, it does not have an online lottery. This guide gives you the lowdown on lottery laws, available games, and how to buy tickets in Arizona.

Lottery Draw Games in Arizona

The Arizona Lottery offers multi-state and state lottery games to its residents. Although these games are available online in many other US states, you can only participate in these games by buying tickets from registered retailers in Arizona. You can find the winning numbers for every draw on the Arizona Lottery website or by calling the Winning Numbers Hotline:

• Phoenix: 480 829 7425
• Tucson: 520 325 9141
• All Other Areas: 800 499 3798

US Powerball

Powerball jackpots are usually over $40 million, meaning it has one of the largest lottery prize pools in the US. The biggest win was a $1.586 billion jackpot on January 13, 2016. This record prize was shared between three lucky winners each residing in a different state (California, Florida, and Tennessee).

To play Powerball, tickets cost $2, but you can also activate the Power Play feature by paying an extra dollar. This feature will multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5, or even 10 times. The multiplier number is drawn randomly before the main lottery draw. To win, match numbers from 1 to 69 of the white balls and 1 to 26 of the red balls. The smallest prize you can win is $4 by matching the red ball or one white and one red ball. The more balls you match, the more you can win. Powerball draws take place three times a week: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

Mega Millions

Mega Millions is one of the most popular multi-state lotteries in the US. Draws take place at 11 pm (ET) on Tuesday and Friday evenings and the minimum jackpot usually never dips below $40 million. Instead of getting the jackpot total up front, you receive the money in 30 yearly installments that increase by 5% every year. Each ticket costs $2, but like Powerball, you can activate a multiplier feature (Megaplier) to increase non-jackpot wins by 2, 3, 4, or 5 times. Also, a second-prize Megaplier can reward you with $5 million.

Arizona State Lottery Games

The Pick

The Pick is a jackpot draw game whose main prize is determined by Arizona ticket sales. The minimum jackpot prize is $1 million and increases until someone wins it. In 2007, the jackpot reached a record $13.5 million. To take home the main prize, you need to match all six numbers in any order. To win smaller cash prizes you need to match three numbers or more. Your odds of winning a cash prize are roughly 1 in 39. Tickets start at $1.

Pick 3

To get a cash return when playing Pick 3, you need to choose one or two sets of three-digit numbers that match with the winning numbers drawn. To select the way you want to play your numbers, you have to choose a Play Type after you’ve selected your numbers. There are six Play Types to choose from:

• Straight – Choose any three numbers. These numbers must match the winning numbers in exact order to win.
• Box 3-Way – Only two of the three numbers you choose need to be the same for you to win – numbers can match in any order.
• Box 6-Way – When choosing this option, all three of the numbers you select must be different, and your numbers can match the winning numbers in any order to win.
• Straight/Box – Choose any three numbers. They can match in exact order or any order to win – however, an exact match gets you a bigger prize.
• Front Pair – The first two numbers of your three chosen numbers must match the winning numbers in exact order to win.
• Back Pair – The last two numbers of your three selected numbers must match the winning numbers in exact order to win.

Tickets cost $1 per play.

Triple Twist

Triple twist is a lottery draw game exclusive to Arizona. Match three or more of your numbers in a single row from a selection of 1-42. If you have all six numbers in a single row, you win the jackpot. This game gives you the option of playing your numbers for as many as 12 consecutive drawing dates on the same ticket. To do this, inform the cashier when purchasing or simply cross the Number of Draws box on your selection slip. Tickets cost $2 and drawings take place every day.

Fantasy 5

To win playing this lottery draw game, you need to match your numbers to the numbers selected in the drawing. This lottery game also offers you the chance to add a $1 or $2 EXTRA. This is a separate game that gives you a chance to win $250 or $500 instantly on your Fantasy 5 ticket.

Scratchers

A Scratcher is a card that reveals lottery numbers when, you’ve guessed it, scratch away a layer. There are various scratchcards available in the Grand Canyon state. The most popular scratchers are Bingo, Red Hot 7s, and Crossword. Prizes range from cash to luxury vacations.

Arizona State Lottery History

• 1980 – Arizona legalizes state lotteries upon passing a public initiative in November.
• 1981 – The Arizona Lottery makes its first sale in July when someone buys a scratchcard called ‘Scratch It Rich’.
• 2002 – A vote is held to decide whether to keep tyhe lottery for an additional ten years – 73% vote in favor.
• 2010 – As the success of the Arizona lottery is evident, state legislators choose to keep the lottery until 2035 without holding a public vote.
• 2019 – Arizona meets its goal of raising $1 billion in sales before 2020. Programs and services funded by these lottery games expect to receive over $220 million in funds.

Where Can You Play the Lottery in Arizona?

There are over 3,000 licensed retailers in Arizona. These include supermarkets, convenience stores, liquor stores, and service stations. Arizona Lottery retailers provide tickets for multi-state and Arizona lottery games alongside scratchcards.

Famous Lottery Winners in Arizona

Matthew Good from Phoenix won half of a $587.5 million jackpot when playing the Powerball in 2012. He opted to claim $192 million upfront before taxes, instead of receiving installments over 30 years. Other big winners in the state include couple Diane and Kerry Carmichael. Kerry won $2.5 million in 1995, and Diane won $1 million just as their annual payout was set to end.

Lottery Regulator in Arizona

The Arizona Lottery Commission regulates all lottery games in the state. The commission is headed by five members appointed by the current governor of Arizona Doug Ducey. The governor selects the members to serve on the board for five years. The commission’s main aims are to develop and market games that produce net revenue through responsible play.

What the Arizona Lottery Funds

29% of revenue made from Arizona Lottery ticket sales funds programs and organizations that help the state’s community in five key areas: higher education, health & human services, economic development, and environmental conservation.

Total Funds Given to State Services

• Higher Education – $39,686,675
• Health & Human Services – $32,232,985
• Economic Deveopment – $14,973,200
• Environmental Conservation – $10,000,000

Online Lottery in Arizona

Although the lottery remains popular in Arizona, there are no plans to offer online options yet. However, because there is little opposition, a bill to legalize online ticket sales would probably pass if put forward.

Ciaran McEneaney

Ciaran has been working within the Gambling Industry as a deep analyst since 2019. His deep knowledge and understanding of all the gambling regulations, and processes makes him a true asset, and an always valuable point of view for Gambling Industry News, allowing us to cover every topics from a brand new perspective.